Acts of Thomas

CHAPTER 1
1 The First Act, when he went into India with Abbanes the merchant. At that season all we the apostles were at Jerusalem, Simon which is called Peter and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Canaanite, and Judas the brother of James: and we divided the regions of the world, that every one of us should go unto the region that fell to him and unto the nation whereunto the Lord sent him. According to the lot, therefore, India fell unto Judas Thomas, which is also the twin: but he would not go, saying that by reason of the weakness of the flesh he could not travel, and 'I am an Hebrew man; how can I go amongst the Indians and preach the truth?' And as he thus reasoned and was speaking, the Savior appeared unto him by night and says to him: Fear not, Thomas, go you unto India and preach the word there, for my grace is with you. But he would not obey, saying: Where you would send me, send me, but elsewhere, for unto the Indians I will not go.
2 And while he thus was speaking and thought, it chanced that there was there a certain merchant come from India whose name was Abbanes, sent from the King Gundaphorus [Gundaphorus is a historical personage who reigned over a part of India in the first century after Christ. His coins bear his name in Greek, as Hyndopheres], and having commandment from him to buy a carpenter and bring him unto him. Now the Lord seeing him walking in the market-place at noon said unto him: Would you buy a carpenter? And he said to him: Yes. And the Lord said to him: I have a slave that is a carpenter and I desire to sell him. And so saying he showed him Thomas afar off, and agreed with him for three litrae of silver unstamped, and wrote a deed of sale, saying: I, Jesus, the son of Joseph the carpenter, acknowledge that I have sold my slave, Judas by name, unto you Abbanes, a merchant of Gundaphorus, king of the Indians. And when the deed was finished, the Savior took Judas Thomas and led him away to Abbanes the merchant, and when Abbanes saw him he said unto him: Is this your master? And the apostle said: Yes, he is my Lord. And he said: I have bought you of him. And your apostle held his peace.
3 And on the day following the apostle arose early, and having prayed and besought the Lord he said: I will go where you will, Lord Jesus: your will be done. And he departed unto Abbanes the merchant, taking with him nothing at all save only his price. For the Lord had given it unto him, saying: Let your price also be with you, together with my grace, wheresoever you go. And the apostle found Abbanes carrying his baggage on board the ship; so he also began to carry it aboard with him. And when they were embarked in the ship and were set down Abbanes questioned the apostle, saying: What craftsmanship know you? And he said: In wood I can make ploughs and yokes and augers (ox-goads, Syr.), and boats and oars for boats and masts and pulleys; and in stone, pillars and temples and court-houses for kings. And Abbanes the merchant said to him: Yes, it is of such a workman that we have need. They began then to sail homeward; and they had a favorable wind, and sailed prosperously till they reached Andrapolis, a royal city.
4 And they left the ship and entered into the city, and lo, there were noises of flutes and water-organs, and trumpets sounded about them; and the apostle inquired, saying: What is this festival that is in this city? And they that were there said to him: You also have the gods brought to make merry in this city. For the king has an only daughter, and now he gives her in marriage unto an husband: this rejoicing, therefore, and assembly of the wedding today is the festival which you have seen. And the king has sent heralds to proclaim everywhere that all should come to the marriage, rich and poor, bond and free, strangers and citizens: and if any refuse and come not to the marriage he shall answer for it unto the king. And Abbanes hearing that, said to the apostle: Let us also go, lest we offend the king, especially seeing we are strangers. And he said: Let us go. And after they had put up in the inn and rested a little space they went to the marriage; and the apostle seeing them all set down (reclining), laid himself, he also, in the midst, and all looked upon him, as upon a stranger and one come from a foreign land: but Abbanes the merchant, being his master, laid himself in another place.
5 And as they dined and drank, the apostle tasted nothing; so they that were about him said unto him: Wherefore are you come here, neither eating nor drinking? But he answered them, saying: I am come here for somewhat greater than the food or the drink, and that I may fulfill the king's will. For the heralds proclaim the king's message, and whoso hearkens not to the heralds shall be subject to the king's judgment.
So when they had dined and drunken, and garlands and unguents were brought to them, every man took of the unguent, and one anointed his face and another his beard and another other parts of his body; but the apostle anointed the top of his head and smeared a little upon his nostrils, and dropped it into his ears and touched his teeth with it, and carefully anointed the parts about his heart: and the wreath that was brought to him, woven of myrtle and other flowers, he took, and set it on his head, and took a branch of calamus and held it in his hand. Now the flute-girl, holding her flute in her hand, went about to them all and played, but when she came to the place where the apostle was, she stood over him and played at his head for a long space: now this flute-girl was by race an Hebrew.
6 And as the apostle continued looking on the ground, one of the cup-bearers stretched forth his hand and gave him a buffet; and the apostle lifted up his eyes and looked upon him that smote him and said: My God will forgive you in the life to come this iniquity, but in this world you shall show forth his wonders and even now shall I behold this hand that has smitten me dragged by dogs. And having so said, he began to sing and to say this song: The damsel is the daughter of light, in whom consists and dwells the proud brightness of kings, and the sight of her is delightful, she shines with beauty and cheer. Her garments are like the flowers of spring, and from them a waft of fragrance is born; and in the crown of her head the king is established which with his immortal food (ambrosia) nourishes them that are founded upon him; and in her head is set truth, and with her feet she shows forth joy. And her mouth is opened, and it becomes her well: thirty and two are they that sing praises to her. Her tongue is like the curtain of the door, which waves to and fro for them that enter in: her neck is set in the fashion of steps which the first maker has wrought, and her two hands signify and show, proclaiming the dance of the happy ages, and her fingers point out the gates of the city. Her chamber is bright with light and breathes forth the odor of balsam and all spices, and gives out a sweet smell of myrrh and Indian leaf, and within are myrtles strown on the floor, and of all manner of odorous flowers, and the door-posts(?) are adorned with freed.
7 And surrounding her her groomsmen keep her, the number of whom is seven, whom she herself has chosen. And her bridesmaids are seven, and they dance before her. And twelve in number are they that serve before her and are subject unto her, which have their aim and their look toward the bridegroom, that by the sight of him they may be enlightened; and forever shall they be with her in that eternal joy, and shall be at that marriage whereto the princes are gathered together and shall attend at that banquet whereof the eternal ones are accounted worthy, and shall put on royal raiment and be clad in bright robes; and in joy and exultation shall they both be and shall glorify the Father of all, whose proud light they have received, and are enlightened by the sight of their lord; whose immortal food they have received, that has no failing (excrementum, Syr.), and have drunk of the wine that gives then neither thirst nor desire. And they have glorified and praised with the living spirit, the Father of truth and the mother of wisdom.
8 And when he had sung and ended this song, all that were there present gazed upon him; and he kept silence, and they saw that his likeness was changed, but that which was spoken by him they understood not, forasmuch as he was an Hebrew and that which he was speaking was said in the Hebrew tongue. But the flute-girl alone heard all of it, for she was by race an Hebrew and she went away from him and played to the rest, but for the most part she gazed and looked upon him, for she loved him well, as a man of her own nation; moreover he was comely to look upon beyond all that were there. And when the flute-girl had played to them all and ended, she sat down over against him, gazing and looking earnestly upon him. But he looked upon no man at all, neither took heed of any but only kept his eyes looking toward the ground, waiting the time when he might depart there. But the cup-bearer that had buffeted him went down to the well to draw water; and there chanced to be a lion there, and it slew him and left him Iying in that place, having torn his lirmbs in pieces, and forthwith dogs seized his members, and among them one black dog holding his right hand in his mouth bare it into the place of the banquet.
9 And all when they saw it were amazed and inquired which of them it was that was missing. And when it became manifest that it was the hand of the cup-bearer which had smitten the apostle, the flute-girl brake her flute and cast it away and went and sat down at the apostle's feet, saying: This is either a god or an apostle of God, for I heard him say in the Hebrew tongue: ' I shall now see the hand that has smitten me dragged by dogs', which thing you also have now beheld; for as he said, so has it come about. And some believed her, and some not. But when the king heard of it, he came and said to the apostle: Rise up and come with me, and pray for my daughter: for she is mine only-begotten, and today I give her in marriage. But the apostle was not willing to go with him, for the Lord was not yet revealed unto him in that place. But the king led him away against his will unto the bride-chamber that he might pray for them.
10 And the apostle stood, and began to pray and to speak thus: My Lord and mv God, that travel with your servants, that guide and correct them that believe in you, the refuge and rest of the oppressed, the hope of the poor and ransomer of captives, the physician of the souls that lie sick and savior of all creation, that give life unto the world and strengthen souls; you know things to come, and by our means accomplish them: You, Lord, are He that reveals hidden mysteries and makes manifest words that are secret: You, Lord, are the planter of the good tree, and of your hands are all good works engendered: You, Lord, are He that are in all things and pass through all, and are set in all your works and manifested in the working of them all. Jesus Christ, Son of compassion and perfect savior, Christ, Son of the living God, the undaunted power that have overthrown the enemy, and the voice that was heard of the rulers, and made all their powers to quake, the ambassador that were sent from the height and came down even unto hell, who did open the doors and bring up there them that for many ages were shut up in the treasury of darkness, and showed them the way that leads up unto the height: l beseech you, Lord Jesu, and offer unto thce supplication for these young persons, that you would do for them the things that shall help them and be expedient and profitable for them. And he laid his hands on them and said: The Lord shall be with you, and left them in that place and departed.
11 And the king desired the groomsmen to depart out of the bride-chamber; and when all were gone out and the doors were shut, the bridegrroom lifted up the curtain of the bride-chamber to fetch the bride unto him. And he saw the Lord Jesus bearing the likeness of Judas Thomas and speaking with the bride; even of him that but now had blessed them and gone out from them, the apostle; and he says unto him: Went you not out in the sight of all? How then are you found here? But the Lord said to him: I am not Judas which is also called Thomas but I am his brother. And the Lord sat down upon the bed and bade them also sit upon chairs, and began to say unto them:
12 Remember, my children, what my brother was speaking unto you and what he delivered before you: and know this, that if you abstain from this foul intercourse, you become holy temples, pure, being quit of impulses and pains, seen and unseen, and you will acquire no cares of life or of children, whose end is destruction: and if indeed you get many children, for their sakes you become grasping and covetous, stripping orphans and overreaching widows, and by so doing subject yourselves to grievous punishments. For the more part of children become useless oppressed of devils, some openly and some invisibly, for they become either lunatic or half withered or blind or deaf or dumb or paralytic or foolish; and if they be sound, again they will be vain, doing useless or abominable acts, for they will be caught either in adultery or murder or theft or fornication, and by all these vvill you be afflicted.
But if you be persuaded and keep your souls chaste before God, there will come unto you living children whom these blemishes touch not, and you shall be without care, leading a tranquil life without grief or anxiety, looking to receive that incorruptible and true marriage, and you shall be therein groomsmen entering into that bride-chamber which is full of immortality and light.
13 And when the young people heard these things, they believed the Lord and gave themselves up unto him, and abstained from foul desire and continued so, passing the night in that place. And the Lord departed from before them, saying thus: The grace of the Lord shall be with you. And when the morning was come the king came to meet them and furnished a table and brought it in before the bridegroom and the bride. And he found them sitting over against each other and the face of the bride he found unveiled, and the bridegroom was right joyful. And the mother came unto the bride and said: Why sit you so, child, and are not ashamed, but are as if you had lived with your husband a long season? And her father said: Because of your great love toward your husband do you not even veil yourself?
14 And the bride answered and said: Truly, father, I am in great love, and I pray my Lord that the love which I have perceived this night may abide with me, and I will ask for that husband of whom I have learned today: and therefore I will no more veil myself, because the mirror (veil) of shame is removed from me; and therefore am I no more ashamed or abashed, because the deed of shame and confusion is departed far from me; and that I am not confounded, it is because my astonishment has not continued with me; and that I am in cheerfulness and joy, it is because the day of my joy has not been troubled; and that I have set at nought this husband and this marriage that passes away from before mine eyes, it is because I am joined in another marriage; and that I have had no intercourse with a husband that is temporal, whereof the end is with lasciviousness and bitterness of soul, it is because I am yoked unto a true husband.
15 And while the bride was saying yet more than this, the bridegroom answered and said: I give you thanks, O Lord, that have been proclaimed by the stranger, and found in us; who have removed me far from corruption and sown life in me; who have rid me of this disease that is hard to be healed and cured and abides forever, and have implanted sober health in me; who have shown me yourself and revealed unto me all my state wherein I am; who have redeemed me from falling and led me to that which is better, and set me free from temporal things and made me worthy of those that are immortal and everlasting; that have made yourself lowly even down to me and my littleness, that you may present me unto your greatness and unite me unto yourself; who have not withheld your own bowels from me that was ready to perish, but have shown me how to seek myself and know who I was, and who and in what manner I now am, that I may again become that which I was: whom I knew not, but yourself did seek me out: of whom I was not aware, but yourself have taken me to you: whom I have perceived, and now am not able to be unmindful of him: whose love burns within me, and I cannot speak it as is fit, but that which I am able to say of it is little and scanty, and not fitly proportioned unto his glory: yet he blames me not that presume to say unto him even that which I know not: for it is because of his love that I say even this much.
16 Now when the king heard these things from the bridegroom and the bride, he rent his clothes and said unto them that stood by him: Go forth quickly and go about the whole city, and take and bring me that man that is a sorcerer who by ill fortune came unto this city; for with mine own hands I brought him into this house, and I told him to pray over this mine ill-starred daugllter; and whoso finds and brings him to me, I will give him whatsoever he asks of me. They went, therefore and went about seeking him, and found him not; for he had set sail. They went also unto the inn where he had lodged and found there the flute-girl weeping and afflicted because he had not taken her with him. And when they told her the matter that had befallen with the young people she was exceeding glad at hearing it, and put away her grief and said: Now have I also found rest here. And she rose up and went unto them, and was with them a long time, until they had instructed the king also. And many of the brethren also gathered there until they heard the report of the apostle, that he was come unto the cities of India and was teaching there: and they departed and joined themselves unto him. The Second Act: concerning his coming unto the king Gundaphorus.
17 Now when the apostle was come into the cities of India with Abbanes the merchant, Abbanes went to salute the king Gundaphorus, and reported to him of the carpenter whom he had brought with him. And the king was glad, and commanded him to come in to him. So when he was come in the king said unto him: What craft understand you? The apostle said unto him: The craft of carpentering and of building. The king says unto him: What craftsmanship, then, know you in wood, and what in stone? The apostle says: In wood: ploughs, yokes, goads, pulleys, and boats and oars and masts; and in stone: plllars, temples, and court-houses for kings. And the king said: Can you build me a palace? And he answered: Yes, I can both build and furnish it; for to this end am I come, to build and to do the work of a carpenter.
18 And the king took him and went out of the city gates and began to speak with him on the way concerning the building of the court-house, and of the foundations, how they should be laid, until they came to the place wherein he desired that the building should be; and he said: Here will I that the building should be. And the apostle said: Yes, for this place is suitable for the building. But the place was woody and there was much water there. So the king said: Begin to build. But he said: I cannot begin to build now at this season. And the king said: When can you begin? And he said: I will begin in the month Dius and finish in Xanthicus. But the king marveled and said: Every building is built in summer, and can you in this very winter build and make ready a palace? And the apostle said: Thus it must be, and no otherwise is it possible. And the king said: If, then, this seem good to you, draw me a plan, how the work shall be, because I shall return here after some long time. And the apostle took a reed and drew, measuring the place; and the doors he set toward the sunrising to look toward the light, and the windows toward the west to the breezes, and the bakehouse he appointed to be toward the south and the aqueduct for the service toward the north. And the king saw it and said to the apostle: Truly you are a craftsman and it belitteth you to be a servant of kings. And he left much money with him and departed from him.
19 And from time to time he sent money and provision, and victual for him and the rest of the workmen. But Thomas receiving it all dispensed it, going about the cities and the villages round about, distributing and giving alms to the poor and afflicted, and relieving them, saying: The king knows how to obtain recompense fit for kings, but at this time it is needful that the poor should have refreshment.
After these things the king sent an ambassador unto the apostle, and wrote thus: Signify unto me what you have done or what I shall send you, or of what you have need. And the apostle sent unto him, saying: The palace (praetorium) is built and only the roof remains. And the king hearing it sent him again gold and silver (lit. Unstamped), and wrote unto him: Let the palace be roofed, if it is done. And the apostle said unto the Lord: I thank you O Lord in all things, that you did die for a little space that I might live forever in you, and that you have sold me that by me you might set free many. And he ceased not to teach and to refresh the afflicted, saying: This has the Lord dispensed unto you, and he gives unto every man his food: for he is the nourisher of orphans and steward of the widows, and unto all that are afflicted he is relief and rest.
20 Now when the king came to the city he inquired of his friends concerning the palace which Judas that is called Thomas was building for him. And they told him: Neither has he built a palace nor done aught else of that he promised to perform, but he goes about the cities and countries, and whatsoever he has he gives unto the poor, and teaches of a new God, and heals the sick, and drives out devils, and does many other wonderful things; and we think him to be a sorcerer. Yet his compassions and his cures which are done of him freely, and moreover the simplicity and kindness of him and his faith, do declare that he is a righteous man or an apostle of the new God whom he preaches; for he fasts continually and prays, and eats bread only, with salt, and his drink is water, and he wears but one garment alike in fair weather and in winter, and receives nought of any man, and that he has he gives unto others. And when the king heard that, he rubbed his face with his hands, and shook his head for a long space.
21 And he sent for the merchant which had brought him, and for the apostle, and said unto him: Have you built me the palace? And he said: Yes. And the king said: When, then, shall we go and see it? But he answered him and said: You can not see it now, but when you depart this life, then you shall see it. And the king was exceeding wroth, and commanded both the merchant and Judas which is called Thomas to be put in bonds and cast into prison until he should inquire and learn unto whom the king's money had been given, and so destroy both him and the merchant. And the apostle went unto the prison rejoicing, and said to the merchant: Fear you nothing, only believe in the God that is preached by me, and you shall indeed be set free from this world, but from the world to come you shall receive life. And the king took thought with what death he should destroy them. And when he had determined to flay them alive and burn them with fire, in the same night Gad the king's brother fell sick, and by reason of his vexation and the deceit which the king had suffered he was greatly oppressed; and sent for the king and said unto him: O king my brother, I commit unto you mine house and my children; for I am vexed by reason of the provocation that has befallen you, and lo, I die; and if you visit not with vengeance upon the head of that sorcerer, you will give my soul no rest in hell. And the king said to his brother: All this night have I considered how I should put him to death and this has seemed good to me, to flay him and burn him with fire, both him and the merchant which brought him (Syr. Then the brother of the king said to him: And if there be anything else that is worse than this, do it to him; and I give you charge of my house and my children).
22 And as they talked together, the soul of his brother Gad departed. And the king mourned sore for Gad, for he loved him much, and commanded that he should be buried in royal and precious apparel (Syr. Sepulchre). Now after this angels took the soul of Gad the king's brother and bore it up into heaven, showing unto him the places and dwellings that were there, and inquired of him: In which place would you dwell? And when they drew near unto the building of Thomas the apostle which he had built for the king, Gad saw it and said unto the angels: I beseech you, my lords, suffer me to dwell in one of the lowest rooms of these. And they said to him: You can not dwell in this building. And he said: Wherefore? And they say unto him: This is that palace which that Christian built for your brother. And he said: I beseech you, my lords, suffer me to go to my brother, that I may buy this palace of him, for my brother knows not of what sort it is, and he will sell it unto me.
23 Then the angels let the soul of Gad go. And as they were putting his grave clothes upon him, his soul entered into him and he said to them that stood about him: Call my brother unto me, that I may ask one petition of him. Straightway therefore they told the king, saying: Your brother is revived. And the king ran forth with a great company and came unto his brother and entered in and stood by his bed as one amazed, not being able to speak to him. And his brother said: I know and am persuaded, my brother, that if any man had asked of you the half of your kingdom, you would have given it him for my sake; therefore I beg of you to grant me one favor which I ask of you, that you would sell me that which I ask of you. And the king answered and said: And what is it which you ask me to sell you? And he said: Convince me by an oath that you will grant it me. And the king swore unto him: One of my possessions, whatsoever you shall ask, I will give you. And he says to him: Sell me that palace which you have in the heavens? And the king said: Where should I have a palace in the heavens? And he said: Even that which that Christian built for you which is now in the prison, whom the merchant brought unto you, having purchased him of one Jesus: I mean that Hebrew slave whom you desired to punish as having suffered deceit at his hand: whereat I was grieved and died, and am now revived.
24 Then the king considering the matter, understood it of those eternal benefits which should come to him and which concerned him, and said: That palace I cannot sell you, but I pray to enter into it and dwell therein and to be accounted worthy of the inhabiters of it, but if you indeed desire to buy such a palace, lo, the man lives and shall build you one better than it. And forthwith he sent and brought out of prison the apostle and the merchant that was shut up with him, saying: I entreat you, as a man that entreats the minister of God, that you would pray for me and beseech him whose minister you are to forgive me and overlook that which I have done unto you or thought to do, and that I may become a worthy inhabiter of that dwelling for the which I took no pains, but you have built it for me, laboring alone, the grace of your God working with you, and that I also may become a servant and serve this God whom you preach. And his brother also fell down before the apostle and said: I entreat and supplicate you before your God that I may become worthy of his ministry and service, and that it may fall to me to be worthy of the things that were shown unto me by his angels.
25 And the apostle, filled with joy, said: I praise you, O Lord Jesu, that you have revealed your truth in these men; for you only are the God of truth, and none other, and you are he that knows all things that are unknown to the most; you, Lord, are he that in all things show compassion and spare men. For men by reason of the error that is in them have overlooked you but you have not overlooked them. And now at mv supplication and request do you receive the king and his brother and join them unto your fold, cleansing them with your washing and anointing them with your oil from the error that encompasses them: and keep them also from the wolves, bearing them into your meadows. And give them drink out of your immortal fountain which is neither fouled nor dries up; for they entreat and supplicate you and desire to become your servants and ministers, and for this they are content even to be persecuted of your enemies, and for your sake to be hated of them and to be mocked and to die, like as you for our sake did suffer all these things, that you might preserve us, you that are Lord and truly the good shepherd. And do you grant them to have confidence in you alone, and the succor that comes of you and the hope of their salvation which they look for from you alone; and that they may be grounded in your mysteries and receive the perfect good of your graces and gifts, and flourish in your ministry and come to perfection in your Father.
26 Being therefore wholly set upon the apostle, both the king Gundaphorus and Gad his brother followed him and departed not from him at all, and they also relieved them that had need giving unto all and refreshing all. And they besought him that they also might henceforth receive the seal of the word, saying unto him: Seeing that our souls are at leisure and eager toward God, give you us the seal; for we have heard you say that the God whom you preach knows his own sheep by his seal. And the apostle said unto them: I also rejoice and entreat you to receive this seal, and to partake with me in this eucharist and blessing of the Lord, and to be made perfect therein. For this is the Lord and God of all, even Jesus Christ whom I preach, and he is the father of truth, in whom I have taught you to believe. And he commanded them to bring oil, that they might receive the seal by the oil. They brought the oil therefore, and lighted many lamps; for it was night (Syr. Whom I preach: and the king gave orders that the bath should be closed for seven days, and that no man should bathe in it: and when the seven days were done, on the eighth day they three entered into the bath by night that Judas might baptize them. And many lamps were lighted in the bath).
27 And the apostle arose and sealed them. And the Lord was revealed unto them by a voice, saying: Peace be unto you brethren. And they heard his voice only, but his likeness they saw not, for they had not yet received the added sealing of the seal (Syr. Had not been baptized). And the apostle took the oil and poured it upon their heads and anointed and chrismed them, and began to say (Syr. And Judas went up and stood upon the edge of the cistern and poured oil upon their heads and said):
Come, you holy name of the Christ that is above every name.
Come, you power of the Most High, and the compassion that is perfect.
Come, gift (charism) of the Most High.
Come, compassionate mother.
Come, communion of the male.
Come, she that reveals the hidden mysteries.
Come, mother of the seven houses, that your rest may be in the eighth house.
Come, elder of the five members, mind, thought, refiection, consideration, reason; communicate with these young men.
Come, holy spirit, and cleanse their kidneys and their heart, and give them the added seal, in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit.
And when they were sealed, there appeared unto them a youth holding a lighted torch, so that their lamps became dim at the approach of the light thereof. And he went forth and was no more seen of them. And the apostle said unto the Lord: Your light, O Lord, is not to be contained by us, and we are not able to bear it, for it is too great for our sight.
And when the dawn came and it was morning, he brake bread and made them partakers of the eucharist of the Christ. And they were glad and rejoiced.
And many others also, believing, were added to them, and came into the refuge of the Savior.
28 And the apostle ceased not to preach and to say unto them: You men and women, boys and girls, young men and maidens, strong men and aged, whether bond or free, abstain from fornication and covetousness and the service of the belly: for under these three heads all iniquity comes about. For fornication blinds the mind and darkens the eyes of the soul, and is an impediment to the life (conversation) of the body, turning the whole man unto weakness and casting the whole body into sickness. And greed puts the soul into fear and shame; being within the body it seizes upon the goods of others, and is under fear lest if it restore other men's goods to their owner it be put to shame. And the service of the belly casts the soul into thoughts and cares and vexations, taking thought lest it come to be in want, and have need of those things that are far from it. If, then, you be rid of these you become free of care and grief and fear, and that abides with you which was said by the Savior: Take no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Remember also that word of him of whom I was speaking: Look at the ravens and see the fowls of the heaven, that they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and God dispenses unto them; how much more unto you, O you of little faith? But look you for his coming and have your hope in him and believe on his name. For he is the judge of quick and dead, and he gives to every one according to their deeds, and at his coming and his latter appearing no man has any word of excuse when he is to be judged by him, as though he had not heard. For his heralds do proclaim in the four quarters (climates) of the world. Repent you, therefore, and believe the promise and receive the yoke of meekness and the light burden, that you may live and not die. These things get, these keep. Come forth of the darkness that the light may receive you! Come unto him that is indeed good, that you may receive grace of him and implant his sign in your souls.
29 And when he had thus spoken, some of them that stood by said: It is time for the creditor to receive the debt. And he said unto them: He that is lord of the debt desires alway to receive more; but let us give him that which is due. And he blessed them, and took bread and oil and herbs and salt and blessed and gave unto them; but he himself continued his fast, for the Lord's day was coming on (Syr. And he himself ate, because the Sunday was dawning). And when night fell and he slept, the Lord came and stood at his head, saying: Thomas, rise early, and having blessed them all, after the prayer and the ministry go by the eastern road two miles and there will I show you my glory: for by your going shall many take refuge with me, and you shall bring to light the nature and power of the enemy. And he rose up from sleep and said unto the brethren that were with him: Children, the Lord would accomplish somewhat by me today, but let us pray, and entreat of him that we may have no impediment toward him, but that as at all times, so now also it may be done according to his desire and will by us. And having so said, he laid his hands on them and blessed them, and brake the bread of the eucharist and gave it them, saying: This encharist shall be unto you for compassion and mercy, and not unto judgment and retribution. And they said Amen. Act the Third: concerning the servent
30 And the apostle went forth to go where the Lord had bidden him; and when he was near to the second mile (stone) and had turned a little out of the way, he saw the body of a comely youth Iying, and said: Lord, is it for this that you have brought me forth, to come here that I might see this (trial) temptation? Your will therefore be done as you desire. And he began to pray and to say: O Lord, the judge of quick and dead, of the quick that stand by and the dead that lie here, and master and father of all things; and father not only of the souls that are in bodies but of them that have gone forth of them, for of the souls also that are in pollutions (al. Bodies) you are lord and judge; come you at this hour wherein I call upon you and show forth your glory upon him that lies here. And he turned himself unto them that followed him and said: This thing is not come to pass without cause, but the enemy has effected it and brought it about that he may assault (?) us thereby; and see you that he has not made use of another sort, nor wrought through any other creature save that which is his subjcct.
31 And when he had so said, a great (Syr. Black) serpent (dragon) came out of a hole, beating with his head and shaking his tail upon the ground, and with (using) a loud voice said unto the apostle: I will tell before you the cause wherefor I slew this man, since you are come here for that end, to reprove my works. And the apostle said: Yes, say on. And the serpent: There is a certain beautiful woman in this village over against us; and as she passed by me (or my place) I saw her and was enamoured of her, and I followed her and kept watch upon her; and I found this youth kissing her, and he had intercourse with her and did other shameful acts with her: and for me it was easy to declare them before you, for I know that you are the twin brother of the Christ and alway abolish our nature (Syr. Easy for me to say, but to you I do not dare to utter them because I know that the ocean-flood of the Messiah will destroy our nature): but because I would not affright her, I slew him not at that time, but waited for him till he passed by in the evening and smote and slew him, and especially because he adventured to do this upon the Lord's day.
And the apostlc inquired of him, saying: Tell me of what seed and of what race you are.
32 And he said unto him: I am a reptile of the reptile nature and noxious son of the noxious father: of him that hurt and smote the four brethren which stood upright (om. Syr.: the elerments or four cardinal points may be meant) I am son to him that sits on a throne over all the earth that receives back his own from them that borrow: I am son to him that girds about the sphere: and I am kin to him that is outside the ocean, whose tail is set in his own mouth: I am he that entered through the barrier (fence) into paradise and was speaking with Eve the things which my father bade me speak unto her: I am he that kindled and inflamed Cain to kill his own brother, and on mine account did thorns and thistles grow up in the earth: I am he that cast down the angels from above and bound them in lusts after women, that children born of earth might come of them and I might work my will in them: I am he that hardened Pharaoh's heart that he should slay the children of Israel and enslave them with the yoke of cruelty: I am he that caused the multitude to err in the wilderness when they made the calf: I am he that inflamed Herod and enkindled Caiaphas unto false accusation of a lie before Pilate; for this was fitting to me: I am he that stirred up Judas and bribed him to deliver up the Christ: I am he that inhabits and holds the deep of hell (Tartarus), but the Son of God has wronged rne, against my will, and taken (chosen) them that were his own from me: I am kin to him that is to come from the east, unto whom also power is given to do what he will upon the earth.
33 And wllen that serpent had spoken these things in the hearing of all the people, the apostle lifted up his voice on high and said: Cease you henceforth, O most shameless one, and be put to confusion and die wholly, for the end of your destruction is come, and dare not to tell of what you have done by them that have become subject unto you. And I charge you in the name of that Jesus who until now contends with you for the men that are his own, that you suck out your venom which you have put into this man, and draw it forth and take it from him. But the serpent said: Not yet is the end of our time come as you have said. Wherefore compel you me to take back that which I have put into this man, and to die before my time? For mine own father, when he shall draw forth and suck out that which he has cast into the creation, then shall his end come. And the apostle said unto him: Show, then, now the nature of your father. And the serpent came near and set his mouth upon the wound of the young man and sucked forth the gall out of it. And by little and little the color of the young man which was as purple, became white, but the serpent swelled up. And when the serpent had drawn up all the gall into himself, the young man leapt up and stood, and ran and fell at the apostle's feet: but the serpent being swelled up, burst and died, and his venom and gall were shed forth; and in the place where his venom was shed there came a great gulf, and that serpent was swallowed up therein. And the apostle said unto the king and his brother: Take workmen and fill up that place, and lay foundations and build houses upon them, that it may be a dwelling-place for strangers.
34 But the youth said unto the apostle with many tears: Wherein have I sinned against you? For you are a man that have two forms, and wheresoever you will, there you are found, and are restrained of no man, as I behold. For I saw that man that stood by you and said unto you: I have many wonders to show forth by your means and I have great works to accomplish by you, for which you shall receive a reward; and you shall make many to live, and they shall be in rest in light eternal as children of God. Do you then, says he, speaking unto you of me, quicken this youth that has been stricken of the enemy and be at all times his overseer. Well, therefore, are you come here, and well shall you depart again unto him, and yet he never shall leave you at any time. But I am become without care or reproach: and he has enlightened me from the care of the night and I am at rest from the toil of the day: and I am set free from him that provoked me to do thus, sinning against him that taught me to do contrary thereto: and I have lost him that is the kinsman of the night that compelled me to sin by his own deeds, and have found him that is of the light, and is my kinsman. I have lost him that darkens and blinds his own subjects that they may not know what they do and, being ashamed at their own works, may depart from him, and their works come to an end; and have found him whose works are light and his deeds truth, which if a man does he repents not of them. And I have left him with whom Iying abides, and before whom darkness goes as a veil, and behind him follows shame, shameless in indolence; and I have found him that shows me fair things that I may take hold on them, even the son of the truth that is akin unto concord, who scatters away the mist and enlightens his own crcation, and heals the wounds thereof and overthrows the enemies thereof. But I beseech you, O man of God, cause me to behold him again, and to see him that is now become hidden from me, that I may also hear his voice whereof I am not able to express the wonder, for it belongs not to the nature of this bodily organ.
35 And the apostle answered him, saying: If you depart from these things whereof you have received knowledge, as you have said, and if you know who it is that has wrought this in you, and learn and become a hearer of him whom now in your fervent love you seek; you shall both see him and be with him forever, and in his rest shall you rest, and shall be in his joy. But if you be slackly disposed toward him and turn again unto your former deeds, and leave that beauty and that bright countenance which now was showed you, and forget the shining of his light which now you desire, not only will you be bereaved of this life but also of that which is to come and you will depart unto him whom you said you had lost, and will no more behold him whom you said you had found.
36 And when the apostle had said this, he went into the city holding the hand of that youth, and saying unto him: These things which you have seen, my child, are but a few of the many which God has, for he does not give us good tidings concerning these things that are seen, but greater things than these does he promise us; but so long as we are in the bodv we are not able to speak and show forth those which he shall give unto our souls. If we say that he gives us light, it is this which is seen, and we have it: and if we say it of wealth, which is and appears in the world, we name it (we speak of something which is in the world, Syr.), and we need it not, for it has been said: Hardly shall a rich man enter into the kingdom of heaven: and if we speak of apparel of raiment wherewith they that are luxurious in this life are clad, it is named (we mention something that nobles wear, Syr.), and it has been said: They that wear soft raiment are in the houses of kings. And if of costiy banquets, concerning these we have received a commandment to beware of them, not to be weighed down With revelling and drunkenness and cares of this life -speaking of things that are- and it has been said: Take no thought for your life (soul), what you shall eat or what you shall drink, neither for your body, what you shall put on, for the soul is more than the meat and the body than the raiment. And of rest, if we speak of this temporal rest, a judgment is appointed for this also. But we speak of the world which is above, of God and angels, of watchers and holy ones of the immortal (ambrosial) food and the drink of the true vine, of raiment that endures and grows not old, of things which eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither have they entered into the heart of sinful men, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. Of these things do we converse and of these do we bring good tidings. Do you therefore also believe on him that you may live, and put your trust in him, and you shall not die. For he is not persuaded with gifts, that you should offer them to him, neither is he in need of sacrifices, that you should sacrifice unto him. But look you unto him, and he will not overlook you; and turn unto him, and he will not forsake you. For his comeliness and his beauty will make you wholly desirous to love him: and indeed he permits you not to turn yourself away.
37 And when the apostle had said these things unto that youth, a great multitude joined themselves unto them. And the apostle looked and saw them raising themselves on high that they might see him, and they were going up into high places; and the apostle said unto them: You men that are come unto the assembly of Christ, and would believe on Jesus, take example hereby, and see that if you be not lifted up, you cannot see me who am little, and are not able to spy me out who am like unto you. If, then, you cannot see me who am like you unless you lift yourselves up a little from the earth, how can you see him that dwells in the height and now is found in the depth, unless you first lift yourselves up out of your former conversation, and your unprofitable deeds, and your desires that abide not, and the wealth that is left here, and the possession of earth that grows old, and the raiment that corrupts, and the beauty that waxes old and vanishes away, and yet more out of the whole body wherein all these things are stored up, and which grows old and becomes dust, returning unto its own nature? For it is the body which maintains all these things. But rather believe on our Lord Jesus Christ, vvhom we preach, that your hope may be in him and in him you may have life world without end, that he may become your fellow traveller in this land of error, and may be to you an harbour in this troubled sea. And he shall be to you a fountain springing up in this thirsty land and a chamber fill of food in this place of them that hunger, and a rest unto your souls, yes, and a physician for your bodies.
38 Then the multitude of them that were gathered together hearing these things wept, and said unto the apostle: O man of God, the God whom you preach, we dare not say that we are his, for the works which we have done are alien unto him and not pleasing to him; but if he will have compassion on us and pity us and save us, overlooking our former decds, and will set us free from the evils which we committed being in error, and not impute them unto us nor make remembrance of our former sins, we will become his servants and will accomplish his will unto the end. And the apostle answered them and said: He reckons not against you, neither takes account of the sins which you committed being in error, but overlooks your transgressions which you have done in ignorance. The Fourth Act: concerning the colt
39 And while the apostle yet stood in the highway and was speaking with the multitude, A she donkey's colt came and stood before him (Syr. Adds, And Judas said: It is not without the direction of God that this colt has come here. But to you I say, O colt that by the grace of our Lord there shall be given to you speech before these multitudes who are standing here; and do you say whatsoever you will, that they may believe in the God of truth whom we preach. And the mouth of the colt was opened, and it was speaking by the power of our Lord and said to him) and opened its mouth and said: You twin of Christ, apostle of the Most High and initiate in the hidden word of Christ who receive his secret oracles, fellow worker with the Son of God, who being free have become a bondman, and being sold have brought many into liberty. You kinsman of the great race that has condemned the enemy and redeemed his own, that have become an occasion of life unto man in the land of the Indians; for you have come (against your will, Syr.) unto men that were in error, and by your appearing and your divine words they are now turning unto the God of truth which sent you: mount and sit upon me and repose yourself until you enter into the city. And the apostle answered and said: O Jesu Christ (Son) that understand the perfect mercy! O tranquillity and quiet that now are spoken of (speak, Syr.) by (among) brute beasts! O hidden rest, that are manifested by your working, Savior of us and nourisher, keeping us and resting in alien bodies! O Savior of our souls! Spring that is sweet and unfailing; fountain secure and clear and never polluted; defender and helper in the fight of your own servants, turning away and scaring the enemy from us, that fight in many battles for us and make us conquerors in all; our true and undefeated champion (athlete); our holy and victorious captain: glorious and giving unto your own a joy that never passes away, and a relief wherein is none affliction; good shepherd that give yourself for your own sheep, and have vanquished the wolf and redeemed your own lambs and led them into a good pasture: we glorify and praise you and your invisible Father and your holy sipirit [and] the mother of all creation.
40 And when the apostle had said these things, all the multitude that were there looked upon him, expecting to hear what he would answer to the colt. And the apostle stood a long time as it were astonied, and looked up into heaven and said to the colt: Of whom are you and to whom belong you? For marvellous are the things that are shown forth by your mouth, and amazing and such as are hidden frorn the many. And the colt answered and said: I am of that stock that served Balaam, and your lord also and teacher sat upon one that appertained unto me by race. And I also have now been sent to give you rest by your sitting upon me: and (that) I may receive (Syr. These may be confirmed in) faith, and unto me may be added that portion which now I shall receive by your service wherewith I serve you; and when I have ministered unto you, it shall be taken from me. And the apostle said unto him: He is able who granted you this gift, to cause it to be fulfilled unto the end in you and in them that belong unto you by race: for as to this mystery I am weak and powerless. And he would not sit upon him. But the colt besought and entreated him that he might be blessed of him by ministering unto him. Then the apostic mounted him and sat upon him; and they followed him, some going before and some following after, and all of them ran, desiring to see the end, and how he would dismiss the colt.
41 But when he came near to the city gates he dismounted from him, saying: Depart, and be you kept safe where you were. And straightway the colt fell to the ground at the apostle's feet and died. And all they that were present were sorry and said to the apostle: Bring him to life and raise him up. But he answered and said unto them: I indeed am able to raise him by the name of Jesus Christ: but this is by all means expedient (or, this is by any means expedient). For he that gave him speech that he might talk was able to cause that he should not die; and I raise him not, not as being unable, but because this is that which is expedient and profitable for him. And he bade them that were present to dig a trench and bury his body and they did as they were commanded. The Fifth Act: concerning the devil that took up his abode in the woman.
42 And the apostle entered into the city and all the multitude followed him. And he thought to go unto the parents of the young man whom he had made alive when he was slain by the serpent: for they earnestly besought him to come unto them and enter into their house. But a very beautiful woman on a sudden uttered an exceeding loud cry, saying: O Apostle of the new God that are come into India, and servant of that holy and only good God; for by you is he preached, the Savior of the souls that come unto him, and by you are healed the bodies of them that are tormented by the enemy, and you are he that is become an occasion of life unto all that turn unto him: command me to be brought before you that I may tell you what has befallen me, and peradventure of you I may have hope, and these that stand by you may be more confident in the God whom you preach. For I am not a little tormented by the adversary now this five years' space [one Greek MS. And the apostle bade her come unto him, and the woman stood before him and said: I, O servant of him that is indeed God am a woman: the rest have, As a woman] I was sitting at the first in quiet, and peace encompassed me on every side and I had no care for anything, for I took no thought for any other.
43 And it fell out one day that as I came out from the bath there met me a man troubled and disturbed, and his voice and speech seemed to me exceeding faint and dim; and he stood before me and said: I and you will be in one love and we will have intercourse together as a man with his wife; And I answered and said to him: I never had to do with my betrothed, for I refused to marry, and how shall I yield myself to you that would have intercourse with me in adulterous wise? And having so said, I passed on, and I said to rny handmaid that was with me: Saw you that youth and his shamelessness, how boldly he was speaking with me, and had no shame? But she said to me: I saw an old man speaking to you. And when I was in mine house and had dined my soul suggested unto me some suspicion and especially because he was seen of me in two forms; and having this in my mind I fell asleep. He came, therefore, in that night and was joined unto me in his foul intercourse. And when it was day I saw him and fled from him, and on the night following that he came and abused me; and now as you see me I have spent five years being troubled by him, and he has not departed from me. But I know and am persuaded that both devils and spirits and destroyers are subject unto you and are filled with trembling at your prayers: pray you therefore for me and drive away from me the devil that ever troubles me, that I also may be set free and be gathered unto the nature that is mine from the beginning, and receive the grace that has been given unto my kindred.
44 And the apostle said: O evil that cannot be restrained! O shamelessness of the enemy! O envious one that are never at rest! O hideous one that subdue the comely! O you of many forms! As he will he appears, but his essence cannot be changed. O the crafty and faithless one! O the bitter tree whose fruits are like unto him! O the devil that overcomes them that are alien to him! O the deceit that uses impudence! O the wickedness that creeps like a serpent, and that is of his kindred! (Syr. Wrongly adds a clause bidding the devil show himself.) And when the apostle said this, the malicious one came and stood before him, no man seeing him save the woman and the apostle, and with an exceeding loud voice said in the hearing of all:
45 What have we to do with you, you apostle of the Most High! What have we to do with you, you servant of Jesus Christ? What have we to do with you, you counsellor of the holy Son of God? Wherefore will you destroy us, whereas our time is not yet come? Wherefore will you take away our power? For unto this hour we had hope and time remaining to us. What have we to do with you? You have power over your own, and we over ours. Wherefore will you act tyrannously against us, when you yourself teach others not to act tyrannously? Wherefore do you crave other men's goods and not suffice yourself with your own? Wherefore are you made like unto the Son of God which has done us wrong? For you resemble him altogether as if you were born of him. For we thought to have brought him under the yoke like as we have the rest, but he turned and made us subject unto him: for we knew him not; but he deceived us with his form of all uncomeliness and his poverty and his neediness: for seeing him to be such, we thought that he was a man wearing flesh, and knew not that it is he that gives life unto men. And he gave us power over our own, and that we should not in this present time Ieave them but have our walk in them: but you would get more than your due and that which was given you, and afflict us altogether.
46 And having said this the devil wept, saying: I leave you, my fairest consort, whom long since I found and rested in you; I forsake you, my sure sister, my beloved in whom I was well pleased. What I shall do I know not, or on whom I shall call that he may hear me and help me. I know what I will do: I will depart unto some place where the report of this man has not been heard, and peradventure I shall call you, my beloved by another name (Syr. For you my beloved I shall find a substitute). And he lifted up his voice and said: Abide in peace for you have taken refuge with one greater than I, but I will depart and seek for one like you, and if I find her not, I will return unto you again: for I know that while you are near unto this man you have a refuge in him, but when he departs you will be such as you were before he appeared, and him you will forget, and I shall have opportunity and confidence: but now I fear the name of him that has saved you. And having so said the devil vanished out of sight: only when he departed fire and smoke were seen there: and all that stood there were astonied.
47 And the apostle seeing it, said unto them: This devil has shown nought that is alien or strange to him, but his own nature, wherein also he shall be consumed, for truly the fire shall destroy him utterly and the smoke of it shall be scattered abroad. And he began to say: Jesu, the hidden mystery that has been revealed unto us, you are he that have shown unto us many mysteries; you that did call me apart from all my fellows and spoke unto me three (one, Syr.) words wherewith I am inflamed, and am not able to speak them unto others. Jesu, man that were slain, dead buried! Jesu, God of God, Savior that quicken the dead, and heal the sick! Jesu, that were in need like and save as one that has no need, that did catch the fish for the breakfast and the dinner and made all satisfied with a little bread. Jesu, that did rest from the weariness of wayfaring like a man, and walked on the waves like a God.
48 Jesu most high, voice arising from perfect mercy, Savior of all, the right hand of the light, overthrowing the evil one in his own nature, and gathering all his nature into one place; you of many forms, that are only begotten, first-born of many brethren God of the Most High God, man despised until now (Syr. And humble). Jesu Christ that neglect us not when we call upon you, that are become an occasion of life unto all mankind, that for us were judged and shut up in prison, and loose all that are in bonds, that were called a deceiver and redeem your own from error: I beseech you for these that stand here and believe on you, for they entreat to obtain your gifts, having good hope in your help, and having their refuge in your greatness; they hold their hearing ready to listen unto the words that are spoken by us. Let your peace come and tabernacle in them and renew them from their former deeds, and let them put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new that now is proclaimed unto them by me.
49 And he laid his hands on them and blessed them, saying: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ shall be upon you forever. And they said, Amen. And the woman besought him, saying: O apostle of the Most High, give me the seal, that that enemy return not again unto me. Then he caused her to come near unto him (Syr. Went to a river which was close by there), and laid his hands upon her and sealed her in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and many others also were sealed with her. And the apostle bade his minister (deacon) to set forth a table; and he set forth a stool which they found there, and spread a linen cloth upon it and set on the bread of blessing; and the apostle stood by it and said: Jesu, that have accounted us worthy to partake of the eucharist of your holy body and blood, lo, we are bold to draw near unto your eucharist and to call upon your holy name: come you and communicate unto us (Syr. Adds more).
50 And he began to say: Come, O perfect compassion, Come O communion of the male, Come, she that knows the mysteries of him that is chosen, Come, she that has part in all the combats of the noble champion (athlete), Come, the silence that reveals the great things of the whole greatness, Come, she that manifests the hidden things and makes the unspeakable things plain, the holy dove that bears the twin young, Come, the hidden mother, Come, she that is manifest in her deeds and gives joy and rest unto them that are joined unto her: Come and communicate with us in this eucharist which we celebrate in your name and in the love-feast wherein we are gathered together at your calling. (Syr. Has other clauses and not few variants.) And having so said he marked out the cross upon the bread, and brake it, and began to distribute it. And first he gave unto the woman, saying: This shall be unto you for remission of sins and eternal transgressions (Syr. And for the everlasting resurrection). And after her he gave unto all the others also which had received the seal (Syr. And said to them: Let this eucharist be unto you for life and rest, and not for judgment and vengeance. And they said, Amen.
51 Now there was a certain youth who had wrought an abominable deed, and he came near and received of the eucharist with his mouth: but his two hands withered up, so that he could no more put them unto his own mouth. And they that were there saw him and told the apostle what had befallen; and the apostle called him and said unto him: Tell me, my child, and be not ashamed, what was it that you did and came here? For the eucharist of the Lord has convicted you. For this gift which passes among many does rather heal them that with faith and love draw near thereto, but you it has withered away; and that which is come to pass has not befallen without some effectual cause. And the Youth, being convicted by the eucharist of the Lord, came and tell at the apostle's feet and besought him, saying: I have done an evil deed, yet I thought to do somewhat good. I was enamoured of a woman that dwells at an inn without the city, and she also loved me; and when I heard of you and believed, that you proclaim a living God, I came and received of you the seal with the rest; for you said: Whosoever shall partake in the polluted union, and especially in adultery, he shall not have life with the God whom I preach. Whereas therefore I loved her much, I entreated her and would have persuaded her to become my consort in chastity and pure conversation, which you also teach: but she would not. When, therefore, she consented not, I took a sword and slew her: for I could not endure to see her commit adultery with another man.
52 When the apostle heard this he said: O insane union how ruin you unto shamelessness! O unrestrained lust, how have you stirred up this man to do this! O work of the serpent, how are you enraged against your own! And the apostle bade water to be brought to him in a bason; and when the water was brought, he said: Come, you waters from the living waters, that were sent unto us, the true from the true, the rest that was sent unto us from the rest, the power of salvation that comes from that power which conquers all things and subdues them unto its own will: come and dwell in these waters, that the gift of the Holy Spirit may be perfcctly consummated in them. And he said unto the youth: Go, wash your hands in these waters. And when he had washed they were restored; and the apostle said unto him: Believe you in our Lord Jesus Christ that he is able to do all things? And he said: Though I be the least, yet I believe. But I committed this deed thinking that I was doing somewhat good: for I besought her as I told you, but she would not obey me, to keep herself chaste.
53 And the apostle said to him: Come, let us go unto the inn where you did commit this deed. And the youth went before the apostle in the way, and when they came to the inn they found her Iying dead. And the apostle when he saw her was sorry, for she was a comely girl. And he commanded her to be brought into the midst of the inn: and they laid her on a bed and brought her forth and set her down in the midst of the court of the inn. And the apostle laid his hand upon her and began to say: Jesu, who alway show yourself unto us; for this is your will, that we should at all times seek you, and yourself have given us this power, to ask and to receive, and have not only permitted this, but have taught us to pray: who are not seen of our bodily eyes, but are never hidden from the eyes of our soul, and in your aspect are concealed, but in your works are manifested unto us: and in your many acts we have known you so far as we are able, and yourself have given us your gifts without measure, saying: Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you: we beseech you, therefore, having the fear (suspicion) of our sins; and we ask of you, not riches, not gold, not silver, not possessions, not aught else of the things which come of the earth and return again unto the earth; but this we ask of you and entreat, that in your holy name you would raise up the woman that lies here, by your power, to the glory and faith of them that stand by.
54 And he said unto the youth (Syr. ' Stretch your mind towards our Lord,' and he signed him with the cross), having signed (sealed) him: Go and take hold on her hand and say unto her: I with my hands slew you with iron, and with my hands in the faith of Jesus I raise you up. So the youth went to her and stood by her, saying: I have believed in you, Christ Jesu. And he looked unto Judas Thomas the apostle and said to him: Pray for me that my Lord may come to my help, whom I also call upon. And he laid his hand upon her hand and said: Come, Lord Jesu Christ: unto her grant you life and unto me the earn of faith in you. And straightway as he drew her hand she sprang up and sat up, looking upon the great company that stood by. And she saw the apostle also standing over against her, and leaving the bed she leapt forth and fell at his feet and caught hold on his raiment, saying: I beseech you, my lord where is that other that was with you, who left me not to remain in that fearful and cruel place, but delivered me unto you, saying: Take you this woman, that she may be made perfect, and hereafter be gathered into her place?
55 And the apostle said unto her: Relate unto us where you have been. And she answered: Do you who were with me and unto whom I was delivered desire to hear? And she began to say: [This desciption of hell-tourments is largely derived from the Apocalypse of Peter] A man took me who was hateful to look upon altogether black, and his raiment exceedingly foul, and took me away to a place wherein were many pits (chasms), and a great stench and hateful odor issued there. And he caused me to look into every pit, and I saw in the (first) pit flaming fire, and wheels of fire ran round there, and souls were hanged upon those wheels, and were dashed (broken) against each other; and very great crying and howling was there, and there was none to deliver. And that man said to me: These souls are of your tribe, and when the number of their days is accomplishcd (lit. In the days of the number) they are (were) delivered unto torment and affliction, and then are others brought in in their stead, and likewise these into another place. These are they that have reversed the intercourse of male and female. And I looked and saw infants heaped one upon another and struggling with each other as they lay on them. And he answered and said to me: These are the children of those others, and therefore are they set here for a testimony against them. (Syr. Omits this clause of the children, and lengthens and dilutes the preceding speech.)
56 And he took me unto another pit, and I stooped and looked and saw mire and worms welling up, and souls wallowing there, and a great gnashing of teeth was heard there from them. And that man said unto me: These are the souls of women which forsook their husbands and committed adultery with others, and are brought into this torment. Another pit he showed me whereinto I stooped and looked and saw souls hanging, some by the tongue, some by the hair, some by the hands, and some head downward by the feet, and tormented (smoked) with smoke and brimstone; concerning whom that man that was with me answered me: The souls which are hanged by the tongue are slanderers, that uttered Iying and shameful words, and were not ashamed, and they that are hanged by the hair are unblushing ones which had no modesty and went about in the world bareheaded; and they that are hanged by the hands, these are they that took away and stole other men's goods, and never gave aught to the needy nor helped the afflicted, but did so, desiring to take all, and had no thought at all of justice or of the law; and they that hang upside down by the feet, these are they that lightly and readily ran in evil ways and disorderly paths, not visiting the sick nor escorting them that depart this life, and therefore each and every soul receives that which was done by it. (Syr. Omits almost the whole section.)
57 Again he took me and showed me a cave exceeding dark, breathing out a great stench, and many souls were looking out desiring to get somewhat of the air, but their keepers suffered them not to look forth. And he that was with me said: This is the prison of those souls which you saw: for when they have fulfilled their torments for that which each did, thereafter do others succeed them: and there be some that are wholly consumed and (some, Syr.) that are delivered over unto other torments. And they that kept the souls which were in the dark cave said unto the man that had taken me: Give her unto us that we may bring her in unto the rest until the time comes for her to be delivered unto torment. But he answered them: I give her not unto you, for I fear him that delivered her to me: for I was not charged to leave her here, but I take her back with me until I shall receive order concerning her. And he took me and brought me unto another place wherein were men being sharply tormented (Syr. Where men were). And he that was like unto you took me and delivered me to you, saying thus to you: Take her, for she is one of the sheep that have gone astray. And I was taken by you, and now am I before you. I beseech you, therefore, and supplicate that I may not depart unto those places of punishment which I have seen.
58 And the apostle said: You have heard what this woman has related: and there are not these torments only, but others also, worse than these; and you, if you turn not unto this God whom I preach, and abstain from your former works and the deeds which you committed without knowledge, shall have your end in those torments. Believe therefore on Christ Jesus, and he will forgive you the sins you have committed hitherto, and will cleanse you from all your bodily lusts that abide on the earth, and will heal you of all your trespasses which follow you and depart with you and are found upon (before) you. Put off therefore every one of you the old man, and put on the new, and forsake your former walk and conversation; and let them that stole steal no more, but live by laboring and working; and let the adulterous no more fornicate, lest they deliver themselves unto eternal torment; for adultery is before God exceeding evil beyond other sins. And put away from you covetousness and Iying and drunkenness and slandering, and render not evil for evil: for all these things are strange and alien unto the God who is preached by me: but rather walk you in faith and meekness and holiness and hope, wherein God delights, that you may become his own, expecting of him the gifts which some few only do receive.
59 All the people therefore believed and gave their souls obediently unto the living God and Christ Jesus, rejoicing in the blessed works of the Most High and in his holy service. And they brought much money for the service of the widows: for the apostle had them gathered together in the cities, and unto all of them he sent provision by his own ministers (deacons), both clothes and nourishment. And he himself ceased not preaching and speaking to them and showing that this is Jesus Christ whom the scriptures proclaimed, who is come and was crucified, and raised the third day from the dead. And next he showed them plainly, beginning from the prophets, the things concerning the Christ, that it was necessary that he should come, and that in him should be accomplished all things that were foretold of him. And the fame of him went forth into all the cities and countries, and all that had sick or them that were oppressed by unclean spirits brought them, and some they laid in the way whereby he should pass, and he healed them all by the power of the Lord. Then all that were healed by him said with one accord: Glory be to you, Jesu, who have granted us all alike healing through your servant and apostle Thomas. And now being whole and rejoicing, we beseech you that we may be of your flock, and be numbered among your sheep; receive us therefore, Lord, and impute not unto us our transgressions and our former faults which we committed being in ignorance.
60 And the apostle said: Glory be to the only-begotten of the Father! Glory be to the first-born of many brethren! Glory be to you, the defender and helper of them that come unto your refuge! That sleep not, and awake them that are asleep that live and give life to them that lie in death! O God Jesu Christ, Son of the living God, redeemer and helper, refuge and rest of all that are weary (labor) in your work, giver of healing to them that for your name s sake bear the burden and heat of the day: we give thanks for (to) the gifts that are given us of you and granted us by your help and your dispensation that comes unto us from you.
61 Perfect you therefore these things in us unto the end that we may have the boldness that is in you: look upon us for for your sake have we forsaken our homes and our parents, and for your sake have we gladly and willingly become strangers: look upon us, Lord, for we have forsaken our own possessions for your sake, that we might gain you the possession that cannot be taken away: look upon us, Lord, for we have forsaken them that belong unto us by race, that we might be joined unto your kinship: look upon us, Lord, that have forsaken our fathers and mothers and fosters, that we might behold your Father, and be satisfied with his divine food: look upon us, Lord, for for your sake have we forsaken our bodily consorts and our earthly fruits, that we might be partakers in that enduring and true fellowship, and bring forth true fruits, whose nature is from above, which no man can take from us, with whom we shall abide and who shall abide with us.
The Seventh Act: of the Captain.
62 Now while the apostle Thomas was proclaiming throughout all India the word of God, a certain captain of the king Misdaeus (Mazdai, Syr.) came to him and said unto him: I have heard of you that you take no reward of any man, but even that you have you give to them that need. For if you did receive rewards, I would have sent you a great sum, and would not have come myself, for the king does nought without me: for I have much substance and am rich, even one of the rich men of India. And I have never done wrong to any; but the contrary has befallen me. I have a wife, and of her I had a daughter and I am well affectioned toward her, as also nature requires and have never made trial of another wife. Now it chanced that there was a wedding in our city, and they that made the marriage feast were well beloved of me: they came in therefore and bade me to it, bidding also my mife and her daughter. Forasmuch then as they were my good friends I could not refuse: I sent her therefore, though she desired not to go, and with them I sent also many servants: so they departed, both she and her daughter, decked with many ornaments.
63 And when it was evening and the time was come to depart from the wedding I sent lamps and torches to meet them: and I stood in the street to espy when she should come and I should see her with my daughter. And as I stood I heard a sound of lamentation. Woe for her! Vvas heard out of every mouth. And my servants with their clothes rent came to me and told me what was done. We saw, said they, a man and a boy with him. And the man laid his hand upon your wife, and the boy upon your daughter: and they fled from them: and we smote (wounded) them with our swords, but our swords fell to the ground. And the same hour the womem fell down, gnashing their teeth and beating their heads upon the earth and seeing this we came to tell it you. And when I heard this of my servants I rent my clothes and smote my face with my hands, and becoming like one mad I ran along the street, and came and found them cast in the market-place; and I took them and brought them to my house, and after a long space they awaked and stood up, and sat down.
64 I began therefore to inquire of my wife: What is it that has befallen you? And she said to me: Know you not what you have done unto me? For I prayed you that I might not go to the wedding, because I was not of even health in my body; and as I went on the way and came near to the aqueduct wherein the water flows, I saw a black man standing over against me nodding at me with his head, and a boy like unto him standing by him; and I said to my daughter: Look at those two hideous men, whose teeth are like milk and their lips like soot. And we left them and went towards the aqueduct; and when it was sunset and we departed from the wedding, as we passed by with the young men and drew near the aqueduct, my daughter saw them first, and was affrighted and fled towards me; and after her I also beheld them coming against us: and the servants that were with us fled from them (Syr.) and they struck us, and cast down both me and my daughter. And when she had told me these things, the devils came upon them again and threw them down: and from that hour they are not able to come forth, but are shut up in one room or a second (Syr. In a room within another): and on their account I suffer much, and am distressed: for the devils throw them down wheresoever they find them, and strip them naked. I beseech and supplicate you before God, help me and have pity on me, for it is now three years that a table has not been set in my house, and my wife and my daughter have not sat at a table: and especially for mine unhappy daughter, which has not seen any good at all in this world.
65 And the apostle, hearing these things from the captain, was greatly grieved for him, and said unto him: Believe you that Jesus will heal them? And the captain said: Yes. And the apostle said: Commit yourself then unto Jesus, and he will heal them and procure them succor. And the captain said: Show me him, that I may entreat him and believe in him. And the apostle said: He appears not unto these bodily eyes, but is found by the eyes of the mind. The captain therefore lifted up his voice and said: I believe you, Jesu, and entreat and supplicate you, help my little faith which I have in you. And the apostle commanded Xenophon (Syr. Xanthippus) the deacon to assemble all the brethren; and when the whole multitude was gathered, the apostle stood in the midst and said:
66 Children and brethren that have believed on the Lord, abide in this faith, preaching Jesus who was proclaimed unto you by me, to bring you hope in him; and forsake not (be not forsaken of) him, and he will not forsake you. While you sleep in this slumber that weighs down the sleepers, he, sleeping not, keeps watch over you; and when you sail and are in peril and none can help, he walking upon the waters supporteth and aides. For I am now departing from you, and it appears not if I shall again see you according to the flesh. Be you not therefore like unto the people of Israel, who losing sight of their pastors for an hour, stumbled. But I leave unto you Xenophon the deacon in my stead; for he also like myself proclaims Jesus: for neither am I aught, nor he, but Jesus only; for I also am a man clothed with a body, a son of man like one of you; for neither have I riches as it is found with some, which also convict them that possess them, being wholly useless, and left behind upon the earth, where also they came, and they bear away with them the transgressions and blemishes of sins which befall men by their means. And scantly are rich men found in almsgivillg: but the merciful and lowly in heart, these shall inherit the kingdom of God: for it is not beauty that endures with men, for they that trust in it, when age comes upon them, shall suddenly be put to shame: all things therefore have their time; in their season are they loved and hated. Let your hope then be in Jesus Christ the Son of God, which is always loved, and always desired: and be mindful of us, as we of you: for we too, if we fulfill not the burden of the commandments are not worthy to be preachers of this name, and hereafter shall we pay the price (punishment) of our own head.
67 And he prayed with them and continued with them a long time in prayer and supplication, and committing them unto the Lord, he said: O Lord that rule over every soul that is in the body; Lord, Father of the souls that have their hope in you and expect your mercies: that redeem from error the men that yours own and set free from bondage and corruption your subjects that come unto your refuge: be you in the flock of Xenophon and anoint it with holy oil, and heal it of sores, and preserve it from the ravening wolves. And he laid his hand on them and said: The peace of the Lord shall be upon you and shall journey with us. The Eighth Act: of the wild asses.
68 The apostle therefore went forth to depart on the way: and they all escorted him, weeping and adjuring him to make remembrance of them in his prayers and not to forget them. He went up then and sat upon the chariot, leaving all the brethren, and the captain came and awaked the driver, saying: I entreat and pray that I may become worthy to sit beneath his feet, and I will be his driver upon this way, that he also may become my guide in that way whereby few go.
69 And when they had journeyed about two miles, the apostle begged of the captain and made him arise and caused him to sit by him, suffering the driver to sit in his own place. And as they went along the road, it came to pass that the beasts were wearied with the great heat and could not be stirred at all. And the captain was greatly vexed and wholly cast down, and thought to run on his own feet and bring other beasts for the use of the chariot; but the apostle said: Let not your heart be troubled nor affrighted, but believe on Jesus Christ whom I have proclaimed unto you, and you shall see great wonders. And he looked and saw a herd of wild asses feeding by the wayside, and said to the captain: If you have believed on Christ Jesus, go unto that herd of wild asses and say: Judas Thomas the apostle of Christ the new God says unto you: Let four of you come, of whom we have need (or, of whom we may have use).
70 And the captain went in fear, for they were many; and as he went, they came to meet him; and when they were near, he said unto them: Judas Thomas the apostle of the new God commands you: Let four of you come, of whom I have need. And when the wild asses heard it, they ran with one accord and came to him, and when they came they did him reverence. [Syr. Has a long prayer: And Judas Thomas the apostle of our Lord lifted up his voice in praise and said: Glorious are you, God of truth and Lord of all natures, for you did will with your will, and make all your works and finish all your creatures, and bring them to the rule of their nature, and lay upon them all your fear that they might be subject to your command. And your will trod the path from your secrecy to manifestation, and was caring for every soul that you did make, and was spoken of by the mouth of all the prophets, in all visions and sounds and voices; but Israel did not obey because of their evil inclination. And you, because you are Lord of all, have a care for the creatures, so that you spread over us your mercy in him who came by your will and put on the body, your creature, which you did will and form according to your glorious wisdom. He whom you did appoint in your secrecy and establish in your manifestation, to him you have given the name of Son, he who was your will, the power of your thought; so that you are by various names, the Father and the Son and the Spirit, for the sake of the government of your creatures, for the nourishing of all natures, and you are one in glory and power and will; and you are divided without being separated, and are one though divided, and all subsists in you and is subject to you, because all yours. And I rely upon you, Lord, and by your command have subjected these dumb beasts, that you might show your ministering power upon us and upon them because it is needful, and that your name might be glorilied in us and in the beasts that cannot speak.] And the apostle said unto them: Peace be unto you. Yoke you four of you in the stead of these beasts that have come to a stand. And every one of them came and pressed to be yoked: there were then four stronger than the rest, which also were yoked. And the rest, some went before and some followed. And when they had journeyed a little way he dismissed the colts, saying: I say unto you the inhabiters of the desert, depart unto your pastures, for if I had had need of all, you would all have gone with me; but now go unto your place wherein you dwell. And they departed quietly until they were no more seen.
71 Now as the apostle and the captain and the driver went on, the wild asses drew the chariot quietly and evenly, lest they should disturb the apostle of God. And when they came near to the city gate they turned aside and stood still before the doors of the captain's house. And the captain said: It is not possible for me to relate what has happened, but when I see the end I will tell it. The whole city therefore came to see the wild asses under the yoke; and they had heard also the report of the apostle that he was to come and visit them. And the apostle asked the captain: Where is your dwelling, and where do you bring us? And he said to him: You yourself know that we stand before the doors, and these which by your commandment are come with you know it better than I.
72 And having so said he came down from the chariot. The apostle therefore began to say: Jesu Christ, that are blasphemed by the ignorance of you in this country; Jesu, the report of whom is strange in this city; Jesu, that receive all (Syr. Send on before the apostles in every country and in every city, and all your that are worthy are glorified in you; Jesu, that did take a form and become as a man, and were seen of all us that you might not separate us from your own love: you, Lord, are he that gave yourself for us, and with your blood have purchased us and gained us as a possession of great price: and what have we to give you, Lord, in exchange for your life which you gave for us? For that which we would give, you gave us: and this is, that we should entreat of you and live.
73 And when he had so said, many assembled from every quarter to see the apostle of the new God. And again the apostle said: Why stand we idle? Jesu, Lord, the hour is come: what will you have done? Command therefore that that be fulfilled which needs to be done. Now the captain's wife and her daughter were sore born down by the devils, so that they of the house thought they would rise up no more: for they suffered them not to partake of aught, but cast them down upon their beds recognizing no man until that day when the apostle came there. And the apostle said unto one of the wild asses that were yoked on the right hand: Enter you within the gate, and stand there and call the devils and say to them: Judas Thomas the apostle and disciple of Jesus Christ says unto you: Come forth here: for on your account am I sent and unto them that pertain to you by race, to destroy you and chase you unto your place, until the time of the end come and you go down into your own deep of darkness.
74 And that wild donkey went in, a great multitude being with him, and said: Unto you I speak, the enemies of Jesus that is called Christ: unto you I speak that shut your eyes lest you see the light: unto you I speak, children of Gehenna and of destruction, of him that ceases not from evil until now, that alway renews his workings and the things that befit his being: unto you I speak, most shameless, that shall perish by your own hands. And what I shall say of your destruction and end, and what I shall tell, I know not. For there are many things and innumerable to the hearing: and greater are your doings than the torment that is reserved for you (Syr. However great your bodies, they are too small for your retributions). But unto you I speak, devil, and to your son that follows with you: for now am I sent against you. And wherefore should I make many words concerning your nature and root, which yourselves know and are not ashamed? But Judas Thomas the apostle of Christ Jesus says unto you, he that by much love and affection is sent here: Before all this multitude that stands here, come forth and tell me of what race you are.
75 And straightway the woman came forth with her daughter, both like dead persons and dishonoured in aspect: and the apostle beholding them was grieved. Especially for the girl, and says unto the devils: God forbid that for you there should be sparing or propitiation, for you know not to spare nor to have pity: but in the name of Jesus, depart from them and stand by their side. And when the apostle had so said, the women fell down and became as dead; for they neither had breath nor uttered speech: but the devil answered with a loud voice and said: Are you come here again, you that deride our nature and race? Are you come again, that blot out our devices? And as I take it, you would not suffer us to be upon the earth at all: but this at this time you can not accomplish. And the apostle guessed that this devil was he that had been driven out from that other woman.
76 And the devil said: I beseech you, give me leave to depart even where you will, and dwell there and take commandment from you, and I will not fear the ruler that has authority over me. For like as you are come to preach good tidings, so I also am come to destroy; and like as, if you fulfill not the will of him that sent you, he will bring punishment upon your head, so I also if I do not the will of him that sent me, before the season and time appointed, shall be sent unto mine own nature; and like as your Christ helps you in that you do, so also my father helps me in that I do; and like as for you he prepares vessels worthy of your inhabiting, so also for me he seeks out vessels whereby I may accomplish his deeds; and like as he nourishes and provides for his subjects, so also for me he prepares chastisements and torments, with them that become my dwellingplaces (Syr. Those in whom I dwell); and like as for a recompense of your working he gives you eternal life, so also unto me he gives for a reward of my works eternal destruction; and like as you are refreshed by your prayer and your good works and spiritual thanksgivings, so I also am refreshed by murders and adulteries and sacrifices made with wine upon altars (Syr. Sacrifices and libations of wine), and like as you convert men unto eternal life, so I also pervert them that obey me unto eternal destruction and torment: and you receive your own and I mine.
77 And when the devil had said these things and yet more the apostle said: Jesus commands you and your son by me to enter no more into the habitation of man: but go you forth and depart and dwell wholly apart from the habitation of men. And the devils said unto him: You have laid on us a harsh commandment: but what will you do unto them that now are concealed from you? For they that have wrought all the images rejoice in them more than you: and many of them do the more part worship, and perform their will, sacrificing to them and bringing them food, by libations and by wine and water and oflering with oblations. And the apostle said: They also shall now be abolished, with their works. And suddenly the devils vanished away: but the women lay cast upon the earth as if were dead, and without speech.
78 And the wild asses stood together and parted not one from another; but he to whom speech was given by the power of the Lord -while all men kept silence, and looked to see what they would do- the wild donkey said unto the apostle: Why stand you idle, O apostle of Christ the Most High, who looks that you should ask of him the best of learning? Wherefore then tarry you? (Syr. That you should ask him, and he would give you? Why delay you, good disciple?) for lo, your teacher desires to show by your hands his mighty works. Why stand you still, O herald of the hidden one? For your (Lord) wills to manifest through you his unspeakable things, which he reserves for them that are worthy of him, to hear them. Why rest you, O doer of mighty works in the name of the Lord? For your Lord encourages you and engenders boldness in you. Fear not, therefore; for he will not forsake the soul that belongs unto you by birth. Begin therefore to call upon him and he will readily hearken to you. Why stand you marvelling at all his acts and his workings? For these are small things which he has shown by your means. And what will you tell concerning his great gifts? For you will not be sufficient to declare them. And why marvel you at his cures of the body which he works? (Syr. Which come to an end) especially when you know that healing of his which is secure and lasting, which he brings forth by his own nature? And why look you unto this temporal life, and have no thought of that which is eternal (Syr. When you can every day think on that which is eternal)?
79 But unto you the multitudes that stand by and look to see these that are cast down raised up, I say, believe in the apostle of Jesus Christ: believe the teacher of truth, believe him that shows vou the truth, believe Jesus, believe on the Christ that was born, that the born may live by his life: who also was raised up through infancy, that perfection might appear by his manhood (man). He did teach his own disciples: for he is the teacher of the truth and makes wise men wise (Syr. Who went to school that through him perfect wisdom might be known: he taught his teacher because he was the teacher of verity and the master of the wise). Who also offered the gift in the temple that he might show that all the (every) offering was sanctified. This is his apostle, the shewer-forth of truth: this is he that performs the will of him that sent him. But there shall come false apostles and prophets of lawlessness, whose end shall be according to their deeds; preaching indeed and ordaining to flee from ungodliness, but themselves at all times detected in sins, clad indeed with sheep's clothing, but within, ravening wolves. Who suffice not themselves with one wife but corrupt many women; who, saying that they despise children, dcstroy many children (boys), for whom they vvill pay the penalty; that content not themselves wiih their own possessions, but desire that all useless things should minister unto them only; professing to be his disciples; and with their mouth they utter one thing, but in their heart they think another; charging other men to beware of evil, but they themselves perform nought that is good; who are accounted temperate, and charge other men to abstain from fornication theft, and covetousness, but in all these things do they themselves walk secretly, teaching other men not to do them.
80 And when the wild donkey had declared all these things, all men gazed upon him. And when he ceased the apostle said: What I shall think concerning your beauty, O Jesu, and what I shall tell of you, I know not, or rather I am not able, for I have no power to declare it, O Christ that are in rest, and only wise that only know the inward of the heart and understand the thought. Glory be to you, merciful and tranquil. Glory to you, wise word. Glory to your compassion that was born unto us. Glory to your mercy that was spread out over us. Glory to your greatness that was made small for us. Glory to your most high kingship that was humbled for us. Glory to your might which was enfeebled for us. Glory to your Godhead that for us was seen in likeness of men. Glory to your manhood that died for us that it might make us live. Glory to your resurrection from the dead; for thereby rising and rest comes unto our souls. Glory and praise (good report) to your ascending into the heavens; for thereby you have showed us the path of the height, and promised that we shall sit with you on your right hand and with you judge the twelve tribes of Israel. You are the heavenly word of the Father: you are the hidden light of the understanding, shewer of the way of truth, driver away of darkness, and blotter-out of error.
81 Having thus spoken, the apostle stood over the women, saying: My Lord and my God, I am not divided from you (or doubt not concerning you), nor as one unbelieving do I call upon you, who are always our helper and succorer and raiser-up; who breathe your own power into us and encourage us and give confidence in love unto your own servants. I beseech you, let these souls be healed and rise up and become such as they were before they were smitten of the devils. And when he thus was speaking the women turned and sat up. And the apostle bade the captain that his servants should take them and bring them within (Syr. And give them food, for they had not eaten for many days). And when they were gone in, the apostle said unto the wild asses, Follow me. And they went after him until he had brought them without the gate. And when they had gone out, he said to them: Depart in peace unto your pastures. The wild asses therefore went away willingly; and the apostle stood and took heed to them lest they should be hurt of any, until they had gone afar off and were no more seen. And the apostle returned with the multitude into the house of the captain.
The Ninth Act: of the Wife of Charisius.
82 Now it chanced that a certain woman, the wife of Charisius, that was next unto the king, whose name was Mygdonia, came to see and behold the new name and the new God who was being proclaimed, and the new apostle who had come to visit their country: and she was carried by her own servants; and because of the great crowd and the narrow way they were not able to bring her near unto him. And she sent unto her husband to send her more to minister to her; and they came and approached her, pressing upon the people and beating them. And the apostle saw it and said to them: Wherefore overthrow you them that come to hear the word, and are eager for it? And you desire to be near me but are far off, as it was said of the multitude that came unto the Lord: Having eyes you see not, and having ears you hear not; and he said to the multitudes: He that has ears to hear, let him hear; and: Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
83 And looking upon them that carried her, he said unto them: This blessing and this admonition [Here and elsewhere there is a marked divergence between the texts of U and P, the Roman and Paris MSS.: Bonnet prints them separately. P is on the whole much shorter. Syr. Differs from both. I follow U, but it is very corrupt.] which was promised unto them is for you that are heavily burdened now. You are they that carry burdens grievous to be born, and are born about by her command. And though you are men, they lay on you loads as on brute beasts, for they that have authority over you think that you are not men such as themselves, whether bond or free. For neither shall possessions profit the rich, nor poverty save the poor from judgment; nor have we received a commandment which we are not able to perform, nor has he laid on us burdens grievous to be born nhich we are not able to carry; nor building which men build; nor to hew stones and prepare houses, as your craftsmen do by their own knowledge. But this commandment have we reccived of the Lord, that that which pleases not us when it is done by another this we should not do to any other man.
84 Abstain therefore first from adultery, for this is the beginning of all evils, and next from theft, which enticed Judas Iscariot, and brought him unto hanging; (and from covetousness,) for as manv as yield unto covetousness see not that which they do; and from vainglory and from all foul deeds, especially them of the body, whereby comes eternal condemnation. For this is the chief city of all evils; and likewise it brings them that hold their heads (necks) high unto tyranny, and draws them down unto the deep, and subdues them under its hands that they see not what they do; wherefore the things done of them are hidden from them.
85 But do you become well-pleasing unto God in all good things, in meekness and quietness: for these does God spare, and grants eternal life and sets death at nought. And in gentleness which follows on all good things, and overcomes all enemies and alone receives the crown of victory: with gentleness (Syr.), and stretching out of the hand to the poor, and supplying the want of the needy, and distributing to them that are in necessity, especially them that walk in holiness. For this is chosen before God and leads unto eternal life: for this is before God the chief city of all good: for they that strive not in the course (stadium) of Christ shall not obtain holiness. And holiness did appear from God, doing away fornication, overthrowing the enemy, well-pleasing unto God: for she is an invincible champion (athlete), having honor from God, glorified of many: she is an ambassador of peace, announcing peace: if any gain her he abides without care, pleasing the Lord, expecting the time of redemption: for she does nothing amiss, but gives life and rest and joy unto all that gain her. [P has nothing of this, and Syr. Makes better sense, but is not very interesting.]
86 But meekness has overcome death and brought him under authority, meekness has enslaved the enemy (U and P and Syr. Now present the same text), meekness is the good yoke: meekness fears not and opposes not the many: meekness is peace and joy and exaltation of rest. Abide you therefore in holiness and receive freedom from me, and be near unto meekness for in these three heads is portrayed the Christ whom I proclaim unto you. Holiness is the temple of Christ, and he that dwells in her gets her for an habitation, because for forty days and forty nights he fasted, tasting nothing: and he that keeps her shall dwell in her as on a mountain. And meekness is his boast: for he said unto Peter our fellow apostle: Turn back your sword and put it again into the sheath thereof: for if I had willed so to do, could I not have brought more than twelve legions of angels from my Father?
87 And when the apostle had said these things in the hearing of all the multitude, they trode and pressed upon one another: and the wife of Charisius the king's kinsman Ieapt out of her chair and cast herself on the earth before the apostle, and caught his feet and besought and said: O disciple of the living God, you are come into a desert country, for we live in the desert; being like to brute beasts in our conversation, but now shall we be saved by your hands; I beseech you, therefore, take thought of me, and pray for me, that the compassion of the God whom you preach may come upon me, and I may become his dwelling place and be joined in prayer and hope and faith in him, and I also may receive the seal and become an holy temple and he may dwell in me.
88 And the apostle said: I do pray and entreat for you all, brethren, that believe on the Lord, and for you, sisters, that hope in Christ, that in all of you the word of God may tabernacle and have his tabernacle therein: for we have no power over them (Syr. Because you are given power over your own souls). And he began to say unto the woman Mygdonia: Rise up from the earth and compose yourself (take off your ornaments, P; be mindful of yourself, Syr.). For this attire that is put on shall not profit you nor the beauty of your body, nor your apparel, neither yet the fame of your rank, nor the authority of this world, nor the polluted intercourse with your husband shall avail you if you be bereaved of the true fellowship: for the appearance (fantasy) of ornamenting comes to nought, and the body waxes old and changes, and raiment wears out, and authority and lordship pass away (U corrupt; P abridges; Syr. Has: passes away accompanied with punishment, according as each person has conducted himself in it), and the fellowship of procreation also passes away, and is as it were condemnation. Jesus only abides ever, and they that hope in him. Thus he was speaking, and said unto the woman: Depart in peace, and the Lord shall make you worthy of his own mysteries. But she said: I fear to go away, lest you forsake me and depart unto another nation. But the apostle said to her: Even if I go, I shall not leave you alone, but Jesus of his compassion will be with you. And she fell down and did him reverence and departed unto her house.
89 Now Charisius, the kinsman of Misdaeus the king, bathed himself and returned and laid him down to dine. And he inquired concerning his wife, where she was; for she had not come out of her own chamber to meet him as she was wanting. And her handmaids said to him: She is not well. And he entered quickly into the chamber and found her Iying on the bed and veiled: and he unveiled her and kissed her, saying: Wherefore are you sorrowful today? And she said: I am not well. And he said unto her: Wherefore then did you not keep the guise of your freedom (Syr. Pay proper respect to your position as a free woman) and remain in your house, but did go and listen unto vain speeches and look upon works of sorcery? But rise up and dine with me, for I cannot dine without you. But she said to him: Today I decline it, for I am greatly afeared.
90 And when Charisius heard this of Mygdonia, he would not go forth to dinner, but bade his servants bring her to dine with him (Syr. Bring food to him that he might sup in her presence): when then they brought it in, he desired her to dine with him, but she excused herself; since then she would not, he dined alone, saying unto her: On your account I refused to dine with Misdaeus the king, and you, were you not willing to dine with me? But she said: It is because I am not well. Charisius therefore rose up as he was wanting and would sleep with her, but she said: Did I not tell you that for today I refused it?
91 When he heard that he went to another bed and slept; and awaking out of sleep he said: My lady Mygdonia, hearken to the dream which I have seen. I saw myself lie at meat near to Misdaeus the king, and a dish of all sorts was set before us: and I saw an eagle come down from heaven and carry off from before me and the king two partridges, which he set against his heart; and again he came over us and flew about above us, and the king bade a bow to be brought to him; and the eagle again caught away from before us a pigeon and a dove, and the king shot an arrow at him, and it passed through him from one side to the other and hurt him not; and he being unscathed rose up into his own nest. And I awoke, and I am full of fear and sore vexed, because I had tasted of the partridge, and he suffered me not to put it to my mouth again. And Mygdonia said unto him: Your dream is good: for you every day eat partridges, but this eagle had not tasted of a partridge until now.
92 And when it was morning Charisius went and dressed himself and shod his right foot with his left shoe; and he stopped, and said to Mygdonia: What then is this matter? For look, the dream and this action of mine! But Mygdonia said to him: And this also is not evil, but seems to me very good; for from an unlucky act there will be a change unto the better. And he washed his hands and went to salute Misdaeus the king.
93 And likewise Mygdonia rose up early and went to salute Judas Thomas the apostle, and she found him discoursing with the captain and all the multitude, and he was advising them and speaking of the woman which had received the Lord in her soul, whose wife she was; and the captain said: She is the wife of Charisius the kinsman of Misdaeus the king. And: Her husband is a hard man, and in every thing that he says to the king he obeys him: and he will not suffer her to continue in this mind which she has promised; for often-times has he praised her before the king, saying that there is none other like her in love: all things therefore that you speak unto her are strange unto her. And the apostle said: If truly and surely the Lord has risen upon her soul and she has received the seed that was cast on her, she will have no care of this temporal life, nor fear death, neither will Charisius be able to harm her at all: for greater is he whom she has received into her soul, if she have received him indeed.
94 And Mygdonia hearing this said unto the apostle: In truth, my lord, I have received the seed of your words, and I will bear fruit like unto such seed. The apostle says: Our souls give praise and thanks unto you, O Lord, for they yours: our bodies give thanks unto you, which you have accounted worthy to become the dwelling-place of your heavenly gift. And he said also to them that stood by: Blessed are the holy, whose souls have never condemned them, for they have gained them and are not divided against themselves: blessed are the spirits of the pure, and they that have received the heavenly crown whole from the world (age) which has been appointed them: blessed are the bodies of the holy, for they have been made worthy to become temples of God, that Christ may dwell in them: blessed are you, for you have power to forgive sins: blessed are you if you lose not that which is committed unto you, but rejoicing and departing bear it away with you: blessed are you the holy, for unto you it is given to ask and receive: blessed are you meek for you has God counted worthy to become heirs of the heavenly kingdom. Blessed are you meek, for you are they that have overcome the enemy: blessed are you meek, for you shall see the face of the Lord. Blessed are you that hunger for the Lord's sake for for you is rest laid up, and your souls rejoice from henceforth. Blessed are you that are quiet, (for you have been counted worthy) to be set free from sin [and from the exchange of clean and unclean beasts]. And when the apostle had said these things in the hearing of all the multitude, Mygdonia was the more confirmed in the faith and glory and greatness of Christ.
95 But Charisius the kinsman and friend of Misdaeus the king came to his breakfast and found not his wife in the house; and he inquired of all that were in his house: Where is your mistress oone? And one of them answered and said: She is gone unto that stranger. And when he heard this of his servant, he was wroth with the other servants because they had not straightway told him what was done: and he sat down and waited for her. And when it was evening and she was come into the house he said to her: Where were you? And she answered and said: With the physician. And he said: Is that stranger a physician? And she said: Yes, he is a physician of souls: for most physicians do heal bodies that are dissolved, but he souls that are not destroyed. Charisius, hearing this, was very angry in his mind with Mygdonia because of the apostle, but he answered her nothing, for he was afraid; for she was above him both in wealth and birth: but he departed to dinner, and she went into her chamber. And he said to the servants: Call her to dinner. But she would not come.
96 And when he heard that she would not come out of her chamber, he went in and said unto her: Wherefore will you not dine with me and perchance not sleep with me as the wanting is? Yes, concerning this I have the greater suspicion, for I have heard that that sorcerer and deceiver teaches that a man should not live with his wife, and that which nature requires and the godhead has ordained he overthrows. When Charisius said these things, Mygdonia kept silence. He says to her again: My lady and consort Mygdonia, be not led astray by deceitful and vain words, nor by the works of sorcery which I have heard that this man performs in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; for it was never yet heard in the world that any raised the dead, and, as I hear, it is reported of this man that he raises dead men. And for that he neither eats nor drinks, think not that for righteousness sake he neither eats nor drinks but this he does because he possesses nought, for what should he do which has not even his daily bread? And he has one garment because he is poor, and as for his not receiving aught of any (he does so, to be sure, because he knows in himself that he does not truly heal any man, Syr.).
97 And when Charisius so said, Mygdonia was silent as any stone, but she prayed, asking when it should be day, that she might go to the apostle of Christ. And he withdrew from her and went to dinner heavy in mind, for he thought to sleep with her according to the wanting. And when he was gone out, she bowed her knees and praved, saying: Lord God and Master, merciful Father, Savionr Christ, do you give me strength to overcome thc shamelessness of Charisius, and grant me to keep the holiness wherein you delight, that I also may by it find eternal life. And when she had so prayed she laid herself on her bed and veiled herself.
98 But Charisius having dined came upon her, and she cried out, saying: You have no more any room by me: for my Lord Jesus is greater than you, who is with me and rests in me. And he laughed and said: Well do you mock, saying this of that sorcerer, and well do you deride him, who says: You have no life with God unless you purify yourselves. And when he had so said he essayed to sleep with her, but she endured it not and cried out bitterly and said: I call upon you, Lord Jesu, forsake me not! For with you have I made my refuge; for when I learned that you are he that seek out them that are veiled in ignorance and save them that are held in error And now I entreat you whose report I have heard and believed, come you to my help and save me from the shamelessness of Charisius, that his foulness may not get the upper hand of me. And she smote her hands together (tied his hands, Syr.) and fled from him naked, and as she went forth she pulled down the curtain of the bed-chamber and wrapped it about her; and went to her nurse, and slept there with her.
99 But Charisius was in heaviness all night, and smote his face with his hands, and he was minded to go that very hour and tell the king concerning the violence that was done him, but he considered with himself, saying: If the great heaviness which is upon me compels me to go now unto the king, who will bring me in to him? For I know that my abuse has overthrown me from my high looks and my vainglory and majesty, and has cast me down into this vileness and separated my sister Mygonia from me. Yes, if the king himself stood before the dools at this hour, I could not have gone out and answered him. But I will wait until dawn, and I know that whatsoever I ask of the king, he grants it me: and I will tell him of the madness of this stranger, how that it tyrannously casts down the great and illustrious into the depth. For it is not this that grieves me, that I am deprived of her companying, but for her am I grieved, because her greatness of soul is humbled: being an honorable lady in whom none of her house ever found fault (condemned), she has fled away naked, running out of her own bedchamber, and I know not where she is gone; and it may be that she is gone mad by the means of that sorcerer, and in her madness has gone forth into the market-place to seek him; for there is nothing that appeals unto her lovable except him and the things that are spoken by him.
100 And so saving he began to lament and say: Woe to me, O my consort, and to you besides! For I am too quickly bereaved of you. Woe is me, my most dear one, for you excel all my race: neither son nor daughter have I had of you that I might find rest in them; neither have you yet dwelt with me a full year, and an evil eye has caught you from me. Would that the violence of death had taken you, and I should yet have reckoned myself among kings and nobles: but that I should suffer this at the hands of a stranger, and belike he is a slave that has run away, to mine ill fortune and the sorrow of mine unhappy soul! Let there be no impediment for me until I destroy him and avenge this night, and may I not be well-pleasing before Misdaeus the king if he avenge me not with the head of this stranger; (and I will also tell him) of Siphor the captain vvho has been the occasion of this. For by his means did fhe stranger appear here, and lodges at his house: and many there be that go in and come out whom he teaches a new doctrine; saying that none can live if he quit not all his substance and become a renouncer like himself: and he strives to make many partakers with him.
101 And as Charisius thought on these things, the day dawned: and after the night (?) he put on a mean habit, and shod himself, and went downcast and in heaviness to salute the king. And when the king saw him he said: Wherefore are you sorrowful, and come in such garb? And I see that your countenance is changed. And Charisius said unto the king: I have a new thing to tell you and a new desolation which Siphor has brought into India, even a certain Hebrew, a sorcerer, whom he has sitting in his house and who departs not from him: and many are there that go in to him: whom also he teaches of a new God, and lays on them new laws such as never yet were heard, saving: It is impossible for you to enter into that eternal life which I proclaim unto you, unless you rid you of your wives, and likewise the wives of their husbands. And it chanced that mine unlucky wife also went to him and became a hearer of his words, and she believed them, and in the night she forsook me and ran unto the stranger. But send you for both Siphor and that sorcerer that is hid with (in) him, and visit it (?) on their head, lest all that are of our nation perish.
102 And when Misdaeus his friend heard this he says to him: Be not grieved nor heavy, for I will send for him and avenge you, and you shall have your wife again, and the others that cannot I will avenge. And the king went forth and sat on the judgment seat, and when he was set he commanded Siphor the captain to be called. They went therefore unto his house and found him sitting on the right hand of the apostle and Mygdonia at his feet, hearkening to him with all the multitude. And they that were sent from the king said unto Siphor: Sit you here listening to vain words, and Misdaeus the king in his wrath thinks to destroy you because of this sorcerer and deceiver whom you have brought into your house? And Siphor hearing it was cast down, not because of the king's threat against him, but for the apostle, because the king was disposed contrary to him. And he said to the apostle: I am grieved concerning you: for I told you at the first that that woman is the wife of Charisius the king's friend and kinsman, and he will not suf'fer her to perform that she has promised, and all that he asks of the king he grants him. But the apostle said unto Siphor: Fear nothing, but believe in Jesus that pleads for us all, for unto his refuge are we gathered together. And Siphor, hearing that, put his garment about him and went unto Misdaeus the king,
103 And the apostle inquired of Mygdonia: What was the cause that your husband was wroth with you and devised this against us? And she said: Because I gave not myself up unto his corruption (destruction): for he desired last night to subdue me and subject me unto that passion which he serves: and he to whom I have committed my soul delivered me out of his hands; and I fled away from him naked, and slept with my nurse: but that which befell him I know not, wherefore he has contrived this. The apostle says: These things will not hurt us; but believe you on Jesus, and he shall overthrow the wrath of Charisius and his madness and his impulse; and he shall be a companion unto you in the fearful way, and he shall guide you into his kingdom, and shall bring you unto eternal life giving you that confidence which passes not away nor changes.
104 Now Siphor stood before the king, and he inquired of him: Who is that sorcerer and where, and what teaches he whom you have lurking in your house? And Siphor answered the king: You are not ignorant, O king, what trouble and grief I, with my friends had concerning my wife, whom you know and many others remember, and concerning my daughter, whom I value more than all my possessions, what a time and trial I suffered; for I became a laughing-stock and a curse in all our country. And I heard the report of this man and went to him and entreated him, and took him and brought him here. And as I came by the way I saw wonderful and amazing things: and here also many did hear the wild donkey and concerning that devil whom he drove out, and healed my wife and daughter, and now are they whole; and he asked no reward but requires faith and holiness, that men should become partakers with him in that which he does: and this he teaches to worship and fear one God, the ruler of all things, and Jesus Christ his Son, that they may have eternal life. And that which he eats is bread and salt, and his drink is water from evening unto evening, and he makes many prayers; and whatsoever he asks of his God, he gives him. And he teaches that this God is holy and mighty, and that Christ is living and makes alive, wherefore also he charges them that are there present to come unto him in holiness and purity and love and faith.
105 And when Misdaeus the king heard these things of Siphor he sent many soldiers unto the house of Siphor the captain, to bring Thomas the apostle and all that were found there. And they that were sent entered in and found him teaching much people; and Mygdonia sat at his feet. And when they beheld the great multitude that were about him, they feared, and departed to their king and said: We durst not say aught unto him, for there was a great multitude about him, and Mygdonia sitting at his feet was listening to the things that were spoken by him. And when Misdaeus the king and Charisius heard these things, Charisius leaped out from before the king and drew much people with him and said: I will bring him, O king, and Mygdonia whose understanding he has taken away. And he came to the house of Siphor the captain, greatly disturbed, and found him (Thomas) teaching: but Mygdonia he found not, for she had withdrawn herself unto her house, having learnt that it had been told her husband that she was there.
106 And Charisius said unto the apostle: Up, you wicked one and destroyer and enemy of mine house: for me your sorcery harms not, for I will visit your sorcery on your head. And when he so said, the apostle looked upon him and said unto him: Your threatenings shall return upon you, for me you will not harm any whit: for greater than you and your king and all your army is the Lord Jesus Christ in whom I have my trust. And Chalisius took a kerchief (turban, Syr.) of one of his slaves and cast it about the neck of the apostle, saying: Hale him and bring him away; let me see if his God is able to deliver him out of my hands. And they haled him and led him away to Misdaeus the king. And the apostle stood before the king, and the king said to him: Tell me who you are and by what power you do these things. But the apostle kept silence. And the king commanded his officers (subjects) that he should be scourged with an hundred and twenty-eight (hundred and fifty, Syr.) blows, and bound, and be cast into the prison; and they bound him and led him away. And the king and Charisius considered how they should put him to death, for the multitude worshipped him as God. And they had it in mind to say: The stranger has reviled the king and is a deceiver.
107 But the apostle went unto the prison rejoicing and exulting, and said: I praise you, Jesu, for that you have not only made me worthy of faith in you, but also to endure much for your sake. I give you thanks therefore, Lord, that you have taken thought for me and given me patience: I thank you Lord, that for your sake I am called a sorcerer and a wizard. Receive you me therefore with the blessing (Syr. Iet me receive of the blessing) of the poor, and of the rest of the weary, and of the blessings of them whom men hate and persecute and revile, and speak evil words of them. For lo, for your sake I am hated: lo for your sake I am cut off from the many, and for your sake they call me such an one as I am not.
108 And as he prayed, all the prisoners looked on him, and besought him to pray for them: and when he had prayed and was set down, he began to utter a psalm in this wise:
When I was an infant child in the palace of my Father and resting in the wealth and luxury of my nurturers, out of the East, our native country, my parents provisioned me and sent me. And of the wealth of those their treasures they put together a load both great and light, that I might carry it alone. Gold is the load, of them that are above (or of the land of the Ellaeans or Gilaeans), and silver of the great treasures (or of Gazzak the great) and stones, chalcedonies from the Indians and pearls from the Kosani (Kushan). And they armed me with adamant and they took off from me (Gr. Put on me) the garment set with gems, spangled with gold, which they had made for me because they loved me and the robe that was yellow in hue, made for my stature. And they made a covenant with me, and inscribed it on mine understanding, that I should forget it, and said: If you go down into Egypt, and bring back there the one pearl which is there girt about by the devouring serpent you shall put on the garment set with gems, and that robe whereupon it rests (or which is thereon) and become with your brother that is next unto us (of the well-remembered) an heir (herald) in our kingdom.
109 And I came out of the East by a road difficult and fearful, with two guides and I was untried in travelling by it. And I passed by the borders of the Mosani (Maishan) where is the resort of the merchants of the East, and reached the land of the Babylonians. But when I entered into Egypt, the guides left me which had journeyed with me. And I set forth by the quickest way to the serpent, and by his hole I abode watching for him to slumber and sleep, that I might take my pearl from him. And forasmuch as I was alone I made mine aspect strange, and appeared as an alien to my people. And there I saw my kinsman from the East, the free-born a lad of grace and beauty, a son of princes (or an anointed one). He came unto me and dwelt with me, and I had him for a companion, and made him my friend and partaker in my journey (or merchandise). And I charged him to beware of the Egyptians, and of partaking of those unclean things (or consorting with those unclean men). And I put on their raiment, lest I should seem strange, as one that had come from without to recover the pearl; and lest the Egyptians should awake the serpent against me. But, I know not by what occasion, they learned that I was not of their country. And with guile they mingled for me a deceit, and I tasted of their food. And I knew no more that I was a king's son, and I became a servant unto their king. And I forgat also the pearl for which my fathers had sent me, and by means of the heaviness of their food I fell into a deep sleep.
110 But when this befell me, my fathers also were ware of it, and grieved for me and a proclamation was published in our kingdom, that all should meet at our doors. And then the kings of Parthia and they that bare office and the great ones of the East made a resolve concerning me, that I should not be left in Egypt, and the princes wrote unto me signifying thus (and every noble signed his name to it, Syr.): From the (your) Father the King of kings, and your mother that rules the East, and your brother that is second unto us; unto our son that is in Egypt, peace. Rise up and awake out of sleep, and hearken unto the words of the letter and remember that you are a son of kings; lo, you have come under the yoke of bondage. Remember the pearl for the which you were sent into Egypt. Remember your garment spangled with gold, Your name is named in the book of life, and with your brother whom you have received in our kingdom.
111 and the King [as ambassador] sealed it because of the evil ones, even the children of the Babylonians and the tyrannous demons of Labyrinthus (Sarbug). It flew and lighted down by me, and became all speech. And I at the voice of it and the feeling of it started up out of sleep and I took it up and kissed it and read it. And it was written concerning that which was recorded in mine heart. And I remembered forthwith that I was a son of kings, and my freedom yearned (sought) after its kind. I remembered also the pearl for the which I was sent down into Egypt and I began (came) with charms against the terrible serpent, and I overcame him (or put him to sleep) by naming the name of my Father upon him, And I caught away the pearl and turned back to bear it unto my fathers. And I stripped off the filthy garment and left it in their land, and directed my way forthwith to the light of my fatherland in the East. And on the way I found my letter that had awakened me, and it, like as it had taken a voice and raised me when I slept, so also guided me with the light that came from it. For at times the royal garment of silk before mine eyes, and with love leading me and drawing me onward, I passed by Labyrinthus (Sarbug), and I left Babylon upon my left hand and I came unto Meson (Mesene; Maishan) the great, that lies on the shore of the sea, from the heights of Warkan (Hyrcania?) had my parents sent there by the hand of their treasurers, unto whom they committed it because of their faithfulness.
112 But I remembered not the brightness of it; for I was yet a child and very young when I had left it in the palace ot my Father, but suddenly, [when] I saw the garment made like unto me as it had been in a mirror. And I beheld upon it all myself (or saw it wholly in myself) and I knew and saw myself through it, that we were divided asunder, being of one; and again were one in one shape. Yes, the treasurers also which brought me the garment I beheld, that they were two, yet one shape was upon both, one royal sign was set upon both of them. The money and the wealth had they in their hands, and paid me the due price, and the lovely garment, which was variegated with bright colors with gold and precious stones and pearls of comely hue they were fastened above (or in the height) And the likeness of the King of kings was all in all of it. Sapphire stones were fitly set in it above (or, like the sapphire stone also were its manifold hues).
113 And again I saw that throughout it motions of knowledge were being sent forth, and it was ready to utter speech. And I heard it speak: I am of him that is more valiant than all men, for whose sake I was reared up with the Father himself. And I also perceived his stature (so Gr.- Syr. I perceived in myself that my stature grew in accordance with his working). And all its royal motions rested upon me as it grew toward the impulse of it (And with its kingly motions it was spreading itself toward me). And it hastened, reaching out from the hand of unto him that would receive it and me also did yearning arouse to start forth and meet it and receive it. And I stretched forth and received it, and adorned myself with the beauty of the colors thereof and in my royal robe excelling in beauty I arrayed myself wholly. And when I had put it on, I was lifted up unto the place of peace (sahltation) and homage and I bowed my head and worshipped the brightness of the Father which had sent it unto me. For I had performed his commandments, and he likewise that which he had promised, and at the doors of his palace which was from the beginning I mingled among, and he rejoiced over me and received me with him into his palace, and all his servants do praise him vvith sweet voices. And he promised me that with him I shall be sent unto the gates of the king, that with my gifts and my pearl we may appear together before the king.
114 And Charisius went home glad, thinking that his wife would be with him, and that she had become such as she was before, even before she heard the divine word and believed on Jesus. And he went, and found her with her hair dishevelled and her clothes rent, and when he saw it he said unto her: My lady Mygdonia, why does this cruel disease keep hold on you? And wherefore have you done this? I am your husband from your virginity, and both the gods and the law grant me to have rule over you, what is this great madness of your, that you are bccome a derision in all our nation? But put you away the care that comes of that sorcerer; and I will remove his face from among us, that you may see him no more.
115 But Mygdonia when she heard that gave herself up unto grief, groaning and lamenting and Charisius said again; Have I then so much wronged the gods that they have afflicted me with such a disease? What is my great offence that they have cast me into such humiliation? I beseech you. Mvgdonia trangle my soul no more with the pitiful sight of you and your mean appearance and afflict not mine heart with care for you I am Charisius your husband, whom all the nation honors and fears. What must I do? I know not where to turn. What am I to think? Shall I keep silence and endure? Yet who can be patient when men take his treasure? And who can endure to lose your sweet ways? And what is there for me? (Syr. Your beauties which are ever before me) the fragrance of you is in my nostrils, and your bright face is fixed in mine eyes. They are taking away my soul, and the fair body which I rejoiced to see they are destroying, and that sharpest of eyes they are blinding and cutting off my right hand: my joy is turning to grief and my life to death, and the light of it is being dyed (?) with darkness. Let no man of you my kindred henceforth look on me; from you no help has come to me, nor will I hereafter worship the gods of the east that have enwrapped me in such calamities, nor pray to them any more nor sacrifice to them, for I am bereaved of my spouse. And what else should I ask of them? For all my glory is taken away, yet am I a prince and next unto the king in power; but Mygdonia has set me at nought, and taken away all these things. (Would that some one would blind one of my eyes, and that your eyes would look upon me as they were wanting, Syr. Which has more clauses, to the same effect.)
116 And while Charisius was speaking thus with tears, Mygdonia sat silent and looking upon the ground; and again he came unto her and said: My lady Mygdonia, most desired of me, remember that out of all the women that are in India I chose and took you as the most beautiful, though I might have joined to myself in marriage many more beautiful: but yet I lie, Mygdonia, for by the gods it would not have been possible to find another like you in the land of India; but woe is me alway, for you will not even answer me a word: but if you will, revile me, so that I may only be vouchsafed a word from you. Look at me, for I am more comely than that sorcerer: but you are my wealth and honor: and all men know that there is none like me: and you are my race and kindred; and lo, he takes you away from me.
117 And when Charisius had so said, Mygdonia says unto him: He whom I love is better than you and your substance: for your substance is of earth and returns unto the earth; but he whom I love is of heaven and will take me with him unto heaven. Your wealth shall pass awav, and your beauty shall vanish, and your robes, and your many works: and you shall be alone, naked, with your transgressions. Call not to my remembrance your deeds (unto me), for I pray the Lord that I may forget you, so as to remember no more those former pleasures and the custom of the body; which shall pass away as a shadow, but Jesus only endures forever, and the souls which hope in him. Jesus himself shall quit me of the shameful decds which I did with you. And when Charisius heard this, he turned him to sleep, vexed (dissolved) in soul, saying to her: Consider it by yourself all this night: and if you will be with me such as you were before, and not see that sorcerer, I will do all according to your mind, and if you will remove your affection from him I will take him out of the prison and let him go and remove into another country, and I will not vex you, for I know that you make much of the stranger. And not with you first did this matter come about, for many other women also has he deceived with you; and they have awaked sober and returned to themselves: do not you then make nought of my words and cause me to be a reproach among the Indians.
118 And Charisius having thus spoken went to sleep: but she took ten denarii, and went secretly to give them to the gaolers that she might enter in to the apostle. But on the way Judus Thomas came and met her, and she saw him and was afraid, for she thought that he was one of the rulers: for a great light went before him. And she said to herself as she fled: have lost you, O my unhappy soul! For you will not again see Judas the apostle of the living, and not yet have you received the holy seal. And she fled and ran into a narrow place and there hid herself, saying: I would rather choose to be killed (taken) by the poorer, whom it is possible to persuade, than to fall into the hand of this mighty ruler, who will despise gifts. The Tenth Act: wherein Mygdonia receives baptism.
119 And while Mygdonia thought thus with herself, Judas came and stood over her, and she saw him and was afraid, and fell down and became lifeless with terror. But he stood by her and took her by the hand and said unto her: Fear not, Mygdonia: Jesus will not leave you, neither will the Lord unto whom you have committed your soul overlook you. His compassionate rest will not forsake you: he that is kind will not forsake you, for his kindness' sake, nor he that is good for his goodness' sake. Rise up then from the earth, you that are become wholly above it: look on the light, for the Lord leaves not them that love him to walk in darkness: behold him that travels with his servants, that he is unto them a defender in perils. And Mygdonia arose and looked on him and said: Where went you, my lord? And who is he that brought you out of prison to behold the sun? Judas Thomas says unto her: My Lord Jesus is mightier than all powers and all kings and rulers.
120 And Mygdonia said: Give me the seal of Jesus Christ and I shall ( Iet me) receive the gift at your hands before you depart out of life. And she took him with her and entered into the court and awaked her nurse, saying unto her: Narcia (Gr. Marcia), my mother and nurse, all your service and refreshment you have done for me from my childhood until my present age are vain, and for them I owe you thanks which are temporal; do for me now also a ravour, that you may forever receive a recompense from him that gives great gifts. And Narcia in answer says: What will you, my daughter Mygdonia, and what is to be done for your pleasure? For the honors which you did promise me before, the stranger has not suffered you to accomplish, and you have made me a reproach among all the nation. And now what is this new thing that you command me? And Mygdonia says: Become you partaker with me in eternal life, that I may receive of you perfect nurture: take bread and bring it me, and wine mingled with water, and spare my freedom (take pity on me a free-born woman, Syr.). And the nurse said: I will bring you many loaves, and for water cakes of wine, and fulfill your desire. But she says to the nurse: Cakes I desire not, nor the many loaves: but this only, bring wine mingled with water and one loaf, and oil.
121 And when Narcia had brought these things, Mygdonia stood before the apostle with her head bare; and he took the oil and poured it on her head, saying: You holy oil given unto us for sanctification, sccret mystery whereby the cross was shown unto us, you are the straightener of the crooked limbs, you are the humbler (softener) of hard things (works), you are it that shows the hidden treasures, you are the sprout of goodness; let your power come, let it be established upon your servant Mygdonia, and heal you her by this freedom. And when the oil was poured upon her he hade her nurse unclothe her and gird a linen cloth about her; and there was there a fountain of water upon which the apostle went up, and baptized Mygdonia in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And when she was baptized and clad, he brake bread and took a cup of water and made her a partaker in the body of Christ and the cup of the Son of God, and said: You have received your seal, get for yourself eternal life. And immediately there was heard from above a voice saying: Yes, amen. And when Narcia heard that voice, she was amazed, and besought the apostle that she also might receive the seal; and the apostle gave it her and said: Let the care of the Lord be about you as about the rest.
122 And having done these things the apostle returned unto the prison, and found the doors open and the guards still sleeping. And Thomas said: Who is like you, O God? Who withhold not your loving affection and care from any who is like you, the merciful, who have delivered your creatures out of evil. Life that has subdued death, rest that has ended toil. Glory be to the only-begotten of the Father. Glory to the compassionate that was sent forth of his heart. And when he had said thus, the guards waked and beheld all the doors open, and the prisoners, and said in themselves: Did not we fasten the doors? And how are they now open, and the prisoners within?
123 But at the dawn Charisius went unto Mygdonia, and found them praying and saying: O new God that by the stranger have come here unto us, hidden God of the dwellers in India (Syr. Who are hidden from); God that have shown your glory by your apostle Thomas, God whose report we have heard and believed on you; God, unto whom we are come to be saved; God, who for love of man and for pity did come down unto our littleness; God who did seek us out when we knew him (you) not; God that dwell in the heights and from whom the depths are not hid: turn you away from us the madness of Charisius. And Charisius hearing that said to Mygdonia: Rightly call you me evil and mad and foul I for if I had not born with your disobedience, and given you liberty, you would not have called on God against me and made mention of my name before God. But believe me, Mygdonia that in that sorcerer there is no profit, and what he promises to perform he cannot: but I will perform before your sight all that I promise, that you may believe, and bear with my words and be to me as you were beforetime.
124 And he came near and besought her again, saying: If you will be persuaded of me, I shall henceforth have no grief; remember that day when you did meet me first; tell the truth: was I more beautiful unto you at that time, or Jesus at this? And Mygdonia said: That time required its own, and this time also; that was the time of the beginning, but this of the end; that was the time of temporal life, this of eternal; that of pleasure that passes away, but this of pleasure that abides forever; that, of day and night, this of day without night. You saw that marriage that was passing, and here, and single but this marriage continues forever; that was a partnership of corruption, but this of eternal life; those groomsmen (and maids) were men and women of time, but these abide unto the end. That marriage upon earth sets up dropping dew of the love of men (Syr. That union was founded upon the earth where there is an unceasing press: this is founded upon the bridge of fire upon which is sprinkled grace: both corrupt); that bride-chamber is taken down again, but this remains always; that bed was strown with coverlets (that grow old), but this with love and faith. You are a bridegroom that pass away and are dissolved (changed), but Jesus is a true bridegroom, enduring forever immortal, that dowry was of money and robes that grow old, but this is of living words which never pass away.
125 And when Charisius heard these things he went unto the king and told him all: and the king commanded Judas to be brought, that he might judge him and destroy him. But Charisius said: Have patience a little, O king, and first persuade the man making him afraid, that he may persuade Mygdonia to be unto me as formerly. And Misdaeus sent and fetched the apostle of Christ, and all the prisoners were grieved because the apostle departed from them, for they yearned after him, saying: Even the comfort which we had have they taken away from us.
126 And Misdaeus said unto Judas: Wherefore teach you this new doctrine, which both gods and men hate, and which has nought of profit? And Judas said: What evil do I teach? And Misdaeus said: You teach, saying that men with the God whom you preach. Judas says: You say true, O king: thus do I teach. For tell me, are you not wroth with your soldiers if they wait on you in filthy garments? If then you, being a king of earth and returning unto earth, request your subjects to be reverend in their doings, are you wroth and said you that I teach ill when I say that they who serve my king must be reverend and pure and free from all grief and care of children and unprofitable riches and vain trouble? For indeed you would have your subjects follow your conversation and your manners, and you punish them if they despise your commandments: how much more must they that believe on him serve my God with much reverence and cleanness and security, and be quit of all pleasures of the body, adultery and prodigality and theft and drunkenness and belly-service and foul deeds?
127 And Misdaeus hearing these things said: Lo, I let you go: go then and persuade Mygdonia, the wife of Charisius, not to desire to depart from him. Judas says unto him: Delay not if you have aught to do: for her, if she has rightly received what she has learned, neither iron nor fire nor aught else stronger than these will avail to hurt or to root out him that is held in her soul. Misdaeus says unto Judas: Some poisons do dissolve other poisons, and a theriac cures the bites of the viper; and you if you will can give a solvent of those diseases, and make peace and concord between this couple: for by so doing you will spare yourself, for not yet are you sated with life; and know you that if you do not persuade her, I will catch you away out of this life which is desirable unto all men. And Judas said: This life has been given as a loan, and this time is one that changes, but that life whereof I teach is incorruptible; and beauty and youth that are seen shall in a little cease to be. The king says to him: I have counselled you for the best, but you know your own alfairs.
128 And as the apostle went forth from before the king, Charisius came to him and entreated him and said: I beseech you, O man: I have not sinned against you or any other at any time, nor against the gods; wherefore have you stirred up this great calamity against me? And for what cause have you brought such disturbance upon mine house? And what profit have you of it? But if you think to gain somewhat, tell me the gain, what it is, and I will procure it for you without labor. To what end do you make me mad, and cast yourself into destruction? For if you persuade her not, I will both dispatch you and finally take myself out of life. But if, as you say, after our departing away there is there life and death, and also condemnation and victory and a place of judgment, then will I also go in there to be judged with you: and if that God whom you preach is just and awards punishment justly, I know that I shall gain my cause against you; for you have injured me, having suffered no wrong at my hands: for indeed even here I am able to avenge myself on you and bring upon you all that you have done unto me. Therefore be you persuaded, and come home with me and persuade Mygdonia to be with me as she was at first, before she beheld you. And Judas says to him: Believe me, my child that if men loved God as much as they love one another, they would ask of him all things and receive them, and none would do them violence (there would be nothing which would not obey them, Syr.).
129 And as Thomas said this, they came unto the house of Charisius and found Mygdonia sitting and Narcia standing by her, and her hand supporting her cheek; and she was saying: Let the remainder of the days of my life, O mother, be cut off from me, and all the hours become as one hour, and let me depart out of life that I may go the sooner and behold that beautiful one, whose report I have heard, even that living one and giver of life unto them that believe on him, where is not day and night, nor light and darkness, nor good and evil, nor poor and rich, nor male and female, nor free and bond, nor proud that subjects the humble. And as she was speaking the apostle stood by her, and forthwith she rose up and did him reverence. Then Charisius said unto him: See you how she fears and honors you and all that you shall bid her she will do willingly?
130 And as he so was speaking, Judas says unto Mygdonia: My daughter Mygdonia, obey that which your brother Charisius says. And Mygdonia says: If you were not able the deed in word will you compel me to endure the act? For I have heard of you that this life is of no profit, and this relief is for a time, and these possessions are transitory. And again you said that whoso renounces this life shall receive the life eternal, and whoso hates the light of day and night shall behold a light that is not overtaken, that whoso despises this money shall find other and eternal money. But now because you are in fear. Who that has done somewhat and is praised for the work changes it? Straightway overthrows it from the foundation? Who digs a spring water in a thirsty land and straightway fills it in? Who finds a treasure and uses it not? And Charisius heard lt and said: I will not imitate you, neither will I hasten to destroy you; nor though I may so do, will I put bonds about you (but you I will bind, Syr.); and I will not suffer you to speak with this sorcerer; and if you obey me, well, but if not, I know what I must do.
131 And Judas went out of Charisius' house and departed unto the house of Siphor and lodged there with him. And Siphor said: I will prepare for Judas a hall (triclinium) wherein he may teach (Syr. Siphor said to Judas: Prepare yourself an apartment, &c.). And he did so; and Siphor said: I and my wife and daughter will dwell henceforth in holiness, and in chastity, and in one affection. I beseech you that we mav receive of you the seal, and become worshippers of the true God and numbered among his sheep and lambs. And Judas said: I am afraid to speak that which I think: yet I know somewhat, and what I know it is not possible for me to utter.
132 And he began to say concerning baptism: This baptism is remission of sins: this brings forth again light that is shed about us: this brings to new birth the new man (this is the restorer of understandings Syr.): this mingles the spirit (with the body), raises up in threefoldwise a new man and partaker of the remission of sins. Glory be to you, hidden one, that are communicated in baptism. Glory to you the unseen power that is in baptism. Glory to you, renewal, whereby are renewed they that are baptized and with affection take hold upon you.
And having thus said, he poured oil over their heads and said: Glory be to you the love of compassion (bowels). Glory to you name of Christ. Glory to you, power established in Christ. And he commanded a vessel to be brought, and baptized them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
133 And when they were baptized and clad, he set bread on the table and blessed it, and said: Bread of life, the which who eat abide incorruptible: Bread that fills the hungry souls with the blessing thereof: you are he that vouchsafe to receive a gift, that you may become unto us remission of sins, and that they who eat you may become immortal: we invoke upon you the name of the mother, of the unspeakable mystery of the hidden powers and authorities (? We name the name of the unspeakable mystery, that is hidden from all &c.): we invoke upon you the name of [your?] Jesus. And he said: Let the powers of blessing come, and be established in this bread, that all the souls which partake of it may be washed from their sins. And he brake and gave unto Siphor and his wife and daughter.
The Eleventh Act: concerning the wife of Misdaeus.
134 Now Misdaeus the king, when he had let Judas go, dined and went home, and told his wife what had befallen Charisius their kinsman, saying: See what has come to pass to that unhappy man, and you yourself know, my sister Tertia, that a man has nought better than his own wife on whom he rests; but it chanced that his wife went unto that sorcerer of whom you have heard that he is come to the land of the Indians, and fell into his charms and is parted from her own husband; and he knows not what he should do. And when I would have destroyed the malefactor, he would not have it. But do you go and counsel her to incline unto her husband, and forsake the vain words of the sorcerer.
135 And as soon as she arose Tertia went to the house of Charisius her husband's, and found Mygdonia Iying upon the earth in humiliation, and ashes and sackcloth were spread under her, and she was praying that the Lord would forgive her her former sins and she might soon depart out of life. And Tertia said unto her: Mygdonia, my dear sister and companion what is this hand (Syr. This folly)? What is the disease that has overtaken you? And why do you the deeds of madmen? Know yourself and come back unto your own way, come near unto your many kinsfolk, and spare your true husband Charisius, and do not things unbefitting a free-woman. Mygdonia says unto her: O Tertia, you have not yet heard the preacher of life: not yet has he touched your ears, not yet have you tasted the medicine of life nor are freed from corruptible mourning. You stand in the life of time, and the everlasting life and salvation you know not, and perceive not the incorruptible fellowship. You stand clad in robes that grow old and desire not those that are eternal, and are proud of this beauty which vanishes and have no thought of the holiness of your soul; and are rich in a multitude of servants, (and have not freed your own soul from servitude, Syr.) and pride yourself in the glory that comes of many, but redeem not yourself from the condemnation of death.
136 And when Tertia heard this of Mygdonia she said: I pray you, sister, bring me unto that stranger that teaches these great things, that I also may go and hear him, and be taught to worship the God whom he preaches, and become partaker of his prayers, and a sharer in all that you have told me of. And Mygdonia says to her: He is in the house of Siphor the captain; for he is become the occasion of life unto all them that are being saved in India. And hearing that, Tertia went quickly to Siphor's house, that she might see the new apostle that was come there. And when she entered in, Judas said unto her: What are you come to see? A man that is a stranger and poor and contemptible and needy, having neither riches nor substance; yet one thing I possess which neither kings nor rulers can take away, that neither perishes nor ceases, which is Jesus the Savior of all mankind, the Son of the living God, who has given life unto all that believe on him and take refuge with him and are known to be of the number of his servants (sheep, Syr.). Unto whom says Tertia: May I become a partaker of this life which you promise that all they shall receive who come together unto the assembly of God. And the apostle said: The treasury of the holy king is opened wide, and they which worthily partake of the good things that are therein do rest, and resting do reign: but first, no man comes unto him that is unclean and vile: for he knows our inmost hearts and the depths of our thought, and it is not possible for any to escape him. You, then, if truly you believe in him, shall be made worthy of his mysteries; and he will magnify you and enrich you, and make you to be an heir of his hingdom.
137 And Tertia having heard this returned home rejoicing, and found her husband awaiting her, not having dined, and when Misdaeus saw her he said: Where is it that your entering in today is more beautiful? And wherefore are you come walking, which beseems not free-born women like you? And Tertia says unto him: I owe you the greatest of thanks for that you did send me unto Mygdonia, for I went and heard of a new life, and I saw the new apostle of the God that gives life unto them that believe on him and fulfill his commandments; I ought therefore myself to recompense you for this favor and admonition with good advice; for you shall be a great king in heaven if you obey me and fear the God that is preached by the strangrer, and keep yourself holy unto the living God. For this kingdom passes away, and your comfort will be turned into affliction: but go you to that man, and believe him, and you shall live unto the end. And when Misdaeus heard these things of his wife, he smote his face with his hands and rent his clothes and said: May the soul of Charisius find no rest, for he has hurt me to the soul; and may he have no hope, for he has taken away my hope. And he went out greatly vexed.
138 And he found Charisius his friend in the market-place, and said unto him: Why have you cast me into hell to be another companion to yourself? Why have you emptied and defrauded me to gain nought? Why have you hurt me and profited yourself not at all? Why have you slain me and yourself not lived? Why have you wronged me and yourself not got justice? Why did you not suffer me to destroy that sorcerer before he corrupted my house with his wickedness? And he kept hold upon (was upbraiding, Syr.) Charisius. And Charisius says: Why, what has befallen you? Misdaeus said: He has bewitched Tertia. And they went both of them unto the house of Siphor the captain, and found Judas sitting and teaching. And all they that were there rose up before the king, but he arose not. And Misdaeus perceived that it was he, and took hold of the seat and overset it, and took up the seat with both his hands and smote his head so that he wounded it, and delivered him to his soldiers, saying: Take him away, and hale him with violence and not gently, that his shame may be manifest unto all men. And they haled him and took him to the place where Misdaeus judged, and he stood there, held of the soldiers of Misdaeus.
The Twelfth Act: concerning Ouazanes (Iuzanes) the son of Misdaeus.
139 And Ouazanes (Iuzanes, P; Vizan, Syr.) the son of Misdaeus came unto the soldiers and said: Give me him that I may speak with him until the king comes. And they gave him up, and he brought him in where the king gave judgment. And Iuzanes says: Know you not that I am the son of Misdaeus the king, and I have power to say unto the king what I will, and he will sufier you to live? Tell me then, who is your God, and what power do you claim and glory in it? For if it be some power or art of magic, tell it me and teach me, and I will let you go. Judas says unto him: You are the son of Misdacus the king who is king for a time, but I am the servant of Jesus Christ the eternal king, and you have power to say to your father to save whom you will in the temporal life wherein men continue not, which you and your father grant, but I beseech my Lord and intercede for men, and he gives them a new life which is altogether enduring. And you boast yourself of possessions and servants and robes and luxury and unclean chamberings, but I boast myself of povertv and philosophy and humility and lasting and prayer and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and of my brethren that are worthy of God: and I boast myself of eternal life. And you rely on (have taken refuge with) a man like unto yourself and not able to save his own soul from judgment and death, but I rely upon the living God, upon the savior of kings and princes, who is the judge of all men. And you indeed today perchance are, and tomorrow are no more, but I have taken refuge with him that abides forever and knows all our seasons and times. And if you will become the servant of this God you shall soon do so; but show that you will be a servant worthy of him hereby: first by holiness (puritv), which is the head of all good things, and then by fellowship with this God whom I preach, and philosophy and simplicity and love and faith and in him, and unity of pure food (simplicity of pure i e, Syr.).
140 And the young man was persuaded by the Lord and sought occasion how he might let Judas escape: but while he thought thereon, the king came, and the soldiers took Judas and led him forth. And Iuzanes went forth with him and stood beside him. And when the king was set he bade Judas be brought in, with his hands bound behind him; and he was brought into the midst and stood there. And the king says: Tell me who you are and by what power you do these things. And Judas says to him: I am a man like you, and by the power of Jesus Christ I do these things. And Misdaeus says: Tell me the truth before I destroy you. And Judas says: You have no power against me, as you suppose, and you will not hurt me at all. And the king was wroth at his words, and commanded to heat iron plates and set him upon them barefoot; and as the soldiers took off his shoes he said: The wisdom of God is better than the wisdom of men. You Lord and King (do you take counsel against them, Syr.) and let your goodness resist his wrath. And they brought the plates which were like fire, and set the apostle upon them, and straightway water sprang up abundantly from the earth, so that the plates were swallowed up in it, and they that held him let him go and withdrew themselves.
141 And the king seeing the abundance of water said to Judas: Ask your God that he deliver me from this death, that I perish not in the flood. And the apostle prayed and said: You that did bind this element (nature) and gather it into one place and send it forth into divers lands; that did bring disorder into order, that grant mighty works and great wonders by the hands of Judas your servant; that have mercy on my soul, that I may alway receive your brightness; that give wages unto them that have labored; you savior of my soul, restoring it unto its own nature that it may have no fellowship with hurtful things; that have alway been the occasion of life: do you restrain this element that it lift not up itself to destroy; for there are some of them that stand here who shall believe on you and live. And when he had prayed, the water was swallowed up by little and little, and the place became dry. And when Misdaeus saw it he commanded him to be taken to the prison: Until I shall consider how he must be used.
142 And as Judas was led away to the prison they all followed him, and Iuzanes the king's son walked at his right hand, and Siphor at the left. And he entered into the prison and sat down, and Iuzanes and Siphor, and he persuaded his wife and his daughter to sit down, for they also were come in to hear the word ot life. For they knew that Misdaeus would slay him because of the excess of his anger. And Judas began to say: O liberator of my soul from the bondage of the many, because I gave myself to be sold; behold, I rejoice and exult, knowing that the times are fulfilled for me to enter in and receive. Lo, I am to be set free from the cares that are on the earth; lo, I fulfill mine hope and reccive truth; lo, I am set free from sorrow and put on joy alone; lo, I become careless and griefless and dwell in rest; lo, I am set free from bondage and am called unto liberty; lo, I have served times and seasons, and I am lifted up above times and seasons; lo, I receive my wages from my recompenser, who gives without reckoning (number) because his wealth suffices for the gift; and I shall not put it on again; lo, I sleep and awake, and I shall no more go to sleep; lo, I die and live again, and I shall no more taste of death; lo, they rejoice and expect me, that I may come and be with their kindred and be set as a flower in their crown; Io, I reign in the kingdom whereon I set my hope, even frorm away; lo, the rebellious fall before me, for I have escaped them; lo, (unto me) the peace has come, whereunto all are gathered.
143 And as the apostle was speaking thus, all that were there hearkened, supposing that in that hour he would depart out of life. And again he said: Believe on the physician of all, both seen and unseen, and on the savior of the souls that need help from him. This is the free-born of kings, this the physician of his creatures; this is he that was reproached of his own slaves; this is the Father of the height and the Lord of nature and the Judge (? Father of nature and Lord of the height and supreme Judge, Syr.): he came of the greatest, the only-begotten son of the deep; and he was called the son of (became visible through, Syr.) Mary the virgin, and was termed the son of Joseph the carpenter: he whose littleness (we beheld) with the eyes of our body, but his greatness we received by faith, and saw it in his works whose human body we felt also with our hands, and his aspect we saw transfigured (changed) with our eyes, but his heavenly semblance on the mount we were not able to see: he that made the rulers stumble and did violence unto death: he, the truth that lies not, that at the last paid the tribute for himself and his disciplcs: whom the prince beholding feared and the powers that were with him were troubled; and the prince bare witness (asked him, Syr.) who he was and from where, and knew not the truth, because he is alien from truth: he that having authority over the world, and the pleasures therein, and the possessions and the comfort, all these things and turns away his subjects, that they should not use them.
144 All having fulfilled these sayings, he arose and prayed thus: our Father, which are in heaven: hallowed be your name: Your kingdom come: Your will be done, as in heaven so upon earth: and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
My Lord and God, hope and confidence and teacher, you have taught me to pray thus, behold, I pray this prayer and fulfill your commandment: be you with me unto the end; you are he that from childhood have sown life in me and kept me from corruption; you are he that have brought me unto the poverty of this world, and exhorted me unto the true riches; you are he that have made me known unto myself and showed me that I am your; and I have kept myself pure from woman, that that which you require be not found in defilement. My Lord and God, my hope and my confidence and my teacher, that have implanted courage in me, you did teach me to pray thus; behold, I pray your prayer and bring your will to fulfilment: be you with me unto the end. You are he that from my youth up did give me patience in temptation and me life and preserve me from corruption; you are he that did bring me into the poverty of this world and fill me with the true riches; you are he that did show me that I yours: wherefore I was never joined unto a wife, that the temple worthy of you might not be found in pollution.
145 My mouth suffices not to praise you, neither am I able to conceive the care and providence (carefulness) which has been about me from you which you have had for me). For I desired to gain riches, but you by a vision did show me that they are full of loss and iniury to them that gain them and I believed your showing, and continued in the poverty of the world until you, the true riches were revealed unto me, who did fill both me and the rest that were worthy of you with your own riches and set free your own from care and anxiety. I have therefore fulfilled your commandments, O Lord, and accomplished your will, and become poor and needy and a stranger and a bondman and set at nought and a prisoner and hungry and thirsty and nalied and unshod, and I have toiled for your sake, that my confidence might not perish and my hope that is in you might not be confounded and my much labor might not be in vain and my weariness not be counted for nought: let not my prayers and rmy continual fastings perish, and my great zeal toward you; let not my seed of wheat be changed for tares out of your land, Iet not the enemy carry it away and mingle his own tares therewith; for your land truly receives not his tares, neither indeed can they be laid up in your houses.
146 I have planted your vine in the earth, it has sent down its roots into the depth and its growth is spread out in the height, and the fruits of it are stretched forth upon the earth, and they that are worthy of you are made glad by them, whom also you have gained. The money which you have from me I laid down upon the table (bank); this, when you require it, restore unto me with usury, as you have promised. With your one mind have I traded and have made ten, you have added rnore to me beside that I had, as you did covenant. I have forgiven my debtor the mine, require you it not at my hands. I was bidden to the supper and I came: and I refused the land and the yoke of oxen and the wife, that I might not for their sake be rejected; I was bidden to the wedding, and I put on white raiment, that I might be worthy of it and not be bound hand and foot and cast into the outer darkness. My lamp with its bright light expects the master coming from the marriage, that it may receive him, and I may not (? He may not) see it dimmed because the oil is spent. Mine eyes, O Christ, look upon you, and mine heart exults with joy because I have fulfilled your will and perfected your commandments; that I may be likened unto that watchful and careful servant who in his eagerness neglects not to keep vigil (other MSS.: I have not slumbered idly in keeping your commandments: in the first sleep and at midnight and at cockcrow, that mine eyes may behold you, &c.). All the night have I labored to keep mine house from robbers, lest it be broken through.
147 My loins have I girt close with truth and bound my shoes on my feet, that I may never see them gaping: mine hands have I put unto the yoked plough and have not turned away backward, lest my furrows go crooked. The plough-land is become white and the harvest is come, that I may receive my wages. My garment that grows old I have worn out, and the labor that has brought me unto rest have I accomplished. I have kept the first watch and the second and the third, that I may behold your face and adore your holy brightness. I have rooted out the worst (pulled down my barns, Syr.) and left thern desolate upon earth, that I may be filled full from your treasures (Gr. MSS. Add: all my substance have I sold, that I may gain you the pearl). The moist spring that was in me have I dried up, that I may live and rest beside your inexhaustible spring (al. And Syr.: rest beside your living spring). The captive whom you did commit to me I have slain, that he which is set free in me may not fall from his confidence. Him that was inward have I made outward and the outward, and all your fullness has been fulfilled in me. I have not returned unto the things that are behind, but have gone forward unto the things that are before, that I become not a reproach. The dead man have I quickened, and the living one have I overcome, and that which was lacking have I filled up (Syr. Wright, not the older one, inserts negatives, ' not quickened ', &c.), that I may receive the crown of victory, and the power of Christ may be accomplished in me. I have received reproach upon earth, but give you me the return and the recompense in the heavens. (U omits practically all this chapter.)
148 Let not the powers and the officers perceive me, and let them not have any thought concerning me; let not the tax collectors and exactors ply their calling upon me; let not the weak and the evil cry out against me that am valiant and humble, and when I am born upward let them not rise up to stand before me, by your power, O Jesu, which surrounds me as a crown: for they do flee and hide themselves, they cannot look on you: but (for) suddenly do they fall upon them that are subject to them, and the portion of tile sons of the evil one does itself cry out and convict them; and it is not hid from them, nor their nature is made known: the children of the evil one are separated off. Do you then grant me, Lord, that I may pass by in quietness and joy and peace, and pass over and stand before the judge, and let not the devil (or slanderer) look upon me; let his eyes be blinded by your light which you have made to dwell in me, close you up (muzzle) his mouth: for he has found nought against me.
149 And he said again unto them that were about him: believe in the Savior of them that have labored in his service: for my soul already flourishes because my time is near to receive him; for he being beautiful draws me on always to speak concerning his beauty, what it is though I be not able and suffice not to speak it worthily: you that are the light (feeder, Syr.) of my poverty and the supplier of my defects and nurturer of my need: be you with me until I come and receive you for evermore.
The Thirteenth Act: wherein Iuzanes receives baptism with the rest.
150 And Iuzanes the youth besought the apostle, saying: I pray you, O man, apostle of God, suffer me to go, and I will persuade the gaoler to permit you to come home with me, that by you I may receive the seal, and become your minister and a keeper of the commandments of the God whom you preach. For indeed, formerly I walked in those things which you teach, until my father compelled me and joined me unto a wife by name Mnesara; for I am in my one-and-twentieth year, and have now been seven years married, and before I was joined in marriage I knew no other woman, wherefore also I was accounted useless of my father, nor have I ever had son or daughter of this wife and also my wife herself has lived with me in chastity all this time, and today, if she had been in health, and had listened to you, I know well that both I should have been at rest and she would have received eternal life; but she is in peril and afflicted with much illness; I will therefore persuade the keeper that he promise to come with me, for I live by myself: and you shall also heal that unhappy one. And Judas the apostle of the Most High, hearing this, said to Iuzanes: If you believe, you shall see the marvels of God, and how he saves his servants.
151 And as they was speaking thus together, Tertia and Mvgdonia and Narcia stood at the door of the prison, and they gave the gaoler three-hundred sixty-three staters of silver and entered in to Judas; and found Iuzanes and Siphor and his wife and daughter, and all the prisoners sitting and hearing the word. And when they stood by him he said to them: Who has suffered you to come unto us? And who opened unto you the sealed door that you came forth? Tertia says unto him: Did not you open the door for us and tell us to come into the prison that we might take our brethren that were there, and then should the Lord show forth his glory in us? And when we came near the door, I know not how, you were parted from us and hid yourself and came here before us where also we heard the noise of the door, when you did shut us out. We gave money therefore to the keepers and came in and lo, we are here praying you that we may persuade you and let you escape until the king's wrath against you shall cease. Unto whom Judas said: Tell us first of all how you were shut up.
152 And she says to him: You were with us, and did never leave us for one hour, and ask you how we were shut up? But if you desire to hear, hear. The king Misdaeus sent for me and said unto me: Not yet has that sorcercr prevailed over you, for, as I hear, he bewitches men with oil and water and bread, and has not yet bewitched you; but obey you me, for if not, I will imprison you and wear you out, and him I will destroy; for I know that if he has not yet given you oil and water and bread, he has not prevailed to get power over you. And I said unto him: Over my body you have authority, and do you all that you will; but my soul I will not let perish with you. And hearing that he shut me up in a chamber (beneath his dining-hall, Syr.): and Charisius brought Mygdonia and shut her up with me: and you brought us out and did bring us even here; but give you us the seal quickly, that the hope of Misdacus who counsels thus may be cut off.
153 And when the apostle heard this, he said: Glory be to you, O Jesu of many forms, glory to you that appear in the guise of our poor manhood: glory to you that encourage us and make us strong and give grace and console and stand by us in all perils, and strengthen our weakness. And as he thus was speaking, the gaoler came and said: Put out the lamps, lest any accuse you unto the king. And then they extinguished the lamps, and turned to sleep; but the apostle was speaking unto the Lord: It is the time now, O Jesu, for you to make haste; for, lo the children of darkness sit (make us to sit, Syr.) in their own darkness, do you therefore enlighten us with the light of your nature. And on a sudden the whole prison was light as the day: and while all they that were in the prison slept a deep sleep, they only that had believed in the Lord continued waking.
154 Judas therefore says to Iuzanes: Go you before and make ready the things for our need. Iuzanes thererore says: And who will open me the doors of the prison? For the gaolers shut them and are gone to sleep. And Judas says: Believe in Jesus, and you shall find the doors open. And when he went forth and departed from them, all the rest followed after him. And as Iuzanes was gone on before, Mnesara his wife met him coming unto the prison. And she knew him and said: My brother Iuzanes, is it you? And he says, Yes, and are you Mnesara? And she says Yes. Iuzanes said unto her; Where walk you, especialiy at so untimely an hour? And how were you able to rise up? And she said: This youth laid his hand on me and raised me up, and in a dream I say that I should go where the stranger sits, and become perfectly whole. Iuzanes says to her: What youth is with you? And she said: See you not him that is on my right hand, leading me by the hand?
155 And while they was speaking together thus, Judas, with Siphor and his wife and daughter and Tertia and Mygdonia and Narcia came unto Iuzanes' house. And Mnesara the wife of Iuzanes seeing him did reverence and said: Are you come that saved us from the sore disease? You are he whom I saw in the night delivering unto me this youth to bring me to the prison. But your goodness suffered me not to grow weary, but you yourself are come unto me. And so saying she turned about and saw the youth no more; and finding him not, she says to the apostle: I am not able to walk alone: for the youth whom you gave me is not here. And Judas said: Jesus will henceforth lead you. And thereafter she came running unto him. And when they entered into the house of Iuzanes the son of Misdaeus the king though it was yet night, a great light shined and was shed about them.
156 And then Judas began to pray and to speak thus: O companion and defender (ally) and hope of the weak and confidence of the poor: refuge and lodging of the weary: voice that came forth of the height (sleep, Gr.): comforter dwelling in the midst: port and harbour of them that pass through the regions of the rulers: physician that heal without payment: who among men were crucified for many: who did go down into hell with great might: the sight of whom the princes of death endured not; and you came up with great glory, and gathering all them that fled unto you did prepare a way, and in your footsteps all they journeyed whom you did redeem; and you brought them into your own fold and did join them with your sheep: son of mercy, the son that for love of man were sent unto us from the perfect country (fatherland) that is above, the Lord of all possessions (undefiled possessions, Syr.): that serve your servants that they may live: that fill creation with your own riches: the poor, that were in need and did hunger forty days: that satisfy thirsty souls with your own good things; be you with Iuzanes the son of Misdaeus and with Tertia and Mnesara, and gather them into your fold and mingle them with your number; Be unto them a guide in the land of error: be unto them a physician in the land of sickness: be unto them a rest in the land of the weary: sanctify them in a polluted land: be their physician both of bodies and souls: make them holy temples of you, and let your holy spirit dwell in them.
157 Having thus prayed over them, the apostle said unto Mygdonia: Unclothe your sisters. And she took off their clothes and girded them with girdles and brought them: but Iuzanes had first gone before, and they came after him; and the apostle took oil in a cup of silver and was speaking thus over it: Fruit more beautifull than all other fruits, unto which none other whatsoever may be compared: altogether merciful: fervent with the force of the word: power of the tree which men putting upon them overcome their adversaries: crowner of the conquerors: help (symbol) and joy of the sick: that did announce unto men their salvation that show light to them that are in darkness; whose leaf is bitter, but in your most sweet fruit you are fair, that are rough to the sight but soft to the taste; seeming to be weak, but in the greatness of your strength able to bear the power that observes all things. Having thus said [a corrupt word follows]: Jesu: let his victorious might come and be established in this oil, like as it was established in the tree (wood) that was its kin, even his might at that time, whereof they that crucified you could not endure the word: let the gift also come whereby breathing upon his (your) enemies you did cause them to go backward and fall headlong and let it rest on this oil, whereupon we invoke your holy name. And having thus said, he poured it first upon the head ol Iuzanes and then upon the women's heads, saying: In your name, O Jesu Christ, let it be unto these souls for remission of sins and for turning back of the adversary and for salvation of their souls. And he commanded Mygdonia to anoint them but he himself anointed Iuzanes. And having anointed them he led them down into the water in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
158 And when they were come up, he took bread and a cup, and blessed it and said: Your holy body w}lich was crucified for us do we eat, and your blood that was shed for us unto salvation do we drink; let therefore your body be unto us salvation and your blood for remission of sins. And for the gall which you did drink for our sakes let the gall of the devil be removed from us: and for the vinegar which you have drunk for us, let our weakness be made strong: and for the spitting which you did receive for us, let us receive the dew of your goodness: and by (or for) the reed wherewith they smote you for us, let us receive the perfect house: and whereas you received a crown of thorns for our sake, let us that have loved you put on a crown that fades not away; and for the linen cloth wherein you were Wrapped, let us also be girt about with your power that is not vanquished and for the new tomb and the burial let us receive renewing of soul and body: and for that you did rise up and revive, let us revive and live and stand before you in righteous judgment. And he brake and gave the eucharist unto Iuzanes and Tertia and Mnesara and the wife and daughter of Siphor and said: Let this eucharist be unto you for salvation and joy and health of your souls. And they said: Amen. And a voice was heard, saying: Amen: fear you not, but only believe.
159 And after these things Judas departed to be imprisoned. And Tertia with Mygdonia and Narcia also went to be imprisoned. And the apostle Thomas said unto them -the multitude of them that had believed being present: Daughters and sisters and fellow-servants which have believed in my Lord and God, ministers of my Jesus, hearken to me this day: for I do deliver my word unto you, and I shall no more speak with you in this flesh nor in this world; for I go up unto my Lord and God Jesus Christ, unto him that sold me, unto that Lord that humbled himself even unto me the little, and brought me up unto eternal greatness, that vouchsafed to me to become his servant in truth and steadfastness: unto him do I depart, knowing that the time is fulfilled, and the day appointed has drawn near for me to go and receive my recompense from my Lord and God: for my recompenser is righteous, who knows me, how I ought to receive my reward; for he is not grudging nor envious, but is rich in his gifts, he is not a lover of craft (OT sparing) in that he gives, for he has confidence in his possessions which cannot fail.
160 I am not Jesus, but I am his servant: I am not Christ, but I am his minister; I am not the Son of God, but I pray to become worthy of God. Continue you in the faith of Christ: continue in the hope of the Son of God: faint not at affliction, neither be divided in mind if you see me mocked or that I am shut up in prison; for I do accomplish his will. For if I had willed not to die, I know in Christ that I am able thereto: but this which is called death, is not death, but a setting free from the body; wherefore I receive gladly this setting free from the body, that I may depart and see him that is beautiful and full of mercy, him that is to be loved: for I have endured much toil in his service, and have labored for his grace that is come upon me, which departs not from me. Let not Satan, then, enter you by stealth and catch away your thoughts: let there be in you no place for him: for he is mighty whom you have received. Look for the coming of Christ, for he shall come and receive you, and this is he whom you shall see when he comes.
161 When the apostle had ended these sayings, they went into the house, and the apostle Thomas said: Savior that did suffer many things for us, let these doors be as they were and let seals be set on them. And he left them and went to be imprisoned: and they wept and were in heaviness, for they knew that Misdaeus would slay him (not knowing that, M. Would release him, P.).
162 And the apostle found the keepers wrangling and saying: Wherein have we sinned against this wizard? For by his art magic he has opened the doors and would have had all the prisoners escape: but let us go and report it unto the king, and tell him concerning his wife and his son. And as they disputed thus, Thomas held his peace. They rose up early, therefore, and went unto the king and said unto him: Our lord and king, do you take away that sorcerer and cause him to be shut up elsewhere, for we are not able to keep him; for except your good fortune had kept the prison, all the condemned persons would have escaped for now this second time have we found the doors open: and also your wife, O king, and your son and the rest depart not from him. And the king, hearing that, went, and found the seals that were set on the doors whole; and he took note of the doors also, and said to the keepers: Wherefore lie you? For the seals are whole. How said you that Tertia and Mygdonia come unto him into the prison? And the keepers said: We have told you the truth.
163 And Misdaeus went to the prison and took his seat, and sent for the apostle Thomas and stripped him (and girded him with a girdle) and set him before him and says unto him: Are you bond or free? Thomas said: I am the bondsman of one only, over whom you have no authority. And Misdaeus says to him: How did you run away and come into this country? And Thomas said: I was sold here by my master, that I might save many, and by your hands depart out of this world. And Misdaeus said: Who is your lord? And what is his name? And of what country is he? And Thomas said: My Lord is your master and he is Lord of heaven and earth. And Misdaeus says: What is his name? Thomas says: You can not hear his true name at this time: but the name that was given unto him is Jesus Christ. And Misdaeus says unto him: I have not made haste to destroy you, but have had long patience with you: but you have added unto your evil deeds, and your sorceries are dispersed abroad and heard of throughout all the country: but this I do that your sorceries may depart with you, and our land be cleansed from them. Thomas says unto him; These sorceries depart with me when I set forth away, and know you this that I shall never forsake them that are here.
164 When the apostle had said these things, Misdaeus considered how he should put him to death; for he was afraid because of the much people that were subject unto him, for many also of the nobles and of them that were in authority believed on him. He took him therefore and went forth out of the city; and armed soldiers also went with him. And the people supposed that the king desired to learn somewhat of him, and they stood still and gave heed. And when they had walked one mile, he delivered him unto four soldiers and an offlcer, and commanded them to take him into the mountain and there pierce him with spears and put an end to him, and return again to the city. And saying thus unto the soldiers, he himself also returned unto the city.
165 But the men ran after Thomas, desiring to deliver him from death. And two soldiers went at the right hand of the apostle and two on his left, holding spears, and the officer held his hand and supported him. And the apostle Thomas said: O the hidden mysteries which even until our departure are accomplished in us! O riches of his glory, who will not suffer us to be swallowed up in this passion of the body! Four are they that cast me down, for of four am I made; and one is he that draws me, for of one I am, and unto him I go. And this I now understand, that my Lord and God Jesus Christ being of one was pierced by one, but I, which am of four, am pierced by four.
166 And being come up into the mountain unto the place where he was to be slain, he said unto them that held him, and to the rest: Brethren, hearken unto me now at the last; for I am come to my departure out of the body. Let not then the eyes of your heart be blinded, nor your ears be made deaf. Believe on the God whom I preach, and be not guides unto yourselves in the hardness of your heart, but walk in all your liberty, and in the glory that is toward men, and the life that is toward God.
167 And he said unto Iuzanes: You son (to the son, P) of the (earthly) king Misdaeus and minister (to the minister) of our Lord Jesus Christ: give unto the servants of Misdaeus their price that they may suffer me to go and pray. And Iuzanes persuaded the soldiers to let him pray. And the blessed Thomas went to pray, and kneeled down, and rose up and stretched forth his hands unto heaven, and was speaking thus:...and its companions give the foilowing: He turned to his prayer; and it was this: My Lord and my God, and hope and redeemer and leader and guide in all countries, be you with all them that serve you, and guide me this day as I come unto you. Let not any take my soul which I have committed unto you: let not the tax collectors see me, and let not the exactors accuse me falsely (play the sycophant with me). Let not the serpent see me, and let not the children of the dragon hiss at me. Behold, Lord, I have accomplished your work and perfected your commandment. I have become a bondman; therefore today do I receive freedom. Do you therefore give me this and perfect me: and this I sav, not for that I doubt, but that they may hear for whom it is needful to hear.]
168 And when he had thus prayed he said unto the soldiers: Come here and accomplish the commandments of him that sent you. And the four came and pierced him with their spears, and he fell down and died.
And all the brethren wept; and they brought beautiful robes and much and fair linen, and buried him in a royal sepulchre wherein the former (first) kings were laid.
169 But Siphor and Iuzanes would not go down to the city, but continued sitting by him all the day. And the apostle Thomas appeared unto them and said: Why sit you here and keep watch over me? I am not here, but I have gone up and received all that I was promised. But rise up and go down away; for after a little time you also shall be gathered unto me.
But Misdaeus and Charisius took away Mygdonia and Tertia and afflicted them sorely: howbeit they consented not unto their will. And the apostle appeared unto them and said: Be not deceived: Jesus the holy, the living one, shall quickly send help unto you. And Misdaeus and Charisius, when they perceived that Mygdonia and Tertia obeyed them not, suffered them to live according to their own desire.
And the brethren gathered together and rejoiced in the grace of the Holy Spirit: now the apostle Thomas when he departed out of the world made Siphor a presbyter and Iuzanes a deacon, when he went up into the mountain to die. And the Lord wrought with them, and many were added unto the faith.
170 Now it came to pass after a long time that one of the children of Misdaeus the king was smitten by a devil, and no man could cure him, for the devil was exceeding fierce. And Misdaeus the king took thought and sad: I will go and open the sepulchre, and take a bone of the apostle of God and hang it upon my son and he shall be healed. But while Misdaeus thought upon this, the apostle Thomas appeared to him and said unto him: You believed not on a living man, and will you believe on the dead? Yet fear not, for my Lord Jesus Christ has compassion on you and pities you of his goodness.
And he went and opened the scpulchre, but found not the apostle there, for one of the brethren had stolen him away and taken him unto Mesopotamia; but from that place where the bones of the apostle had lain Misdaeus took dust and put it about his son's neck, saying: I believe on you, Jesu Christ, now that he has left me which troubles men and opposes them lest they should see you. And when he had hung it upon his son, the Iad became whole.
Misdaeus the king therefore was also gathered among the brethren, and bowed his head under the hands of Siphor the priest; and Siphor said unto the bretbren: Pray you for Misdaeus the king, that he may obtain mercy of Jesus Christ, and that he may no more remember evil against him. They all therefore, with one accord rejoicing, rmade prayer for him; and the Lord that loves men, the King of Kings and Lord of lords, granted Misdaeus also to have hope in him; and he was gathered with the multitude of them that had believed in Christ, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, whose is power and adoration, now and forever and world without end. Amen.
The acts of Judas Thomas the apostle are completed, which he did in India, fulfilling the commandment of him that sent him. Unto whom be glory, world without end. Amen.